Tournament Director David Jordan said: "Celtic Rugby is always striving to align itself with other professional rugby tournaments around the world, consequently this season will be the last that the Magners League is played in its present format.
"From 2009-10 we will be introducing an end of season play-off with the top four teams qualifying for the knockout stage.

"Also, we intend to address the irregular nature of the competition by creating a rhythmic season, achievable as weekends will not compete with any other tournament." And Mr Jordan added: "For the fourth successive season average attendances have risen – by 13 per cent over the last year alone."

Unlike the French and English Leagues there is no promotion/relegation in the Celtic League but Jordan maintained quality was high, saying: "Teams and players enjoyed success in other competitions last season – the RBS Six Nations Champions (Wales), Heineken Cup (Munster) and Anglo Welsh Cup (Ospreys) winners are from amongst our ranks – whilst the representation of capped players is higher than other European leagues."