The game will be a part of the Guinness Pro 14 final series.

The new addition to the ever expanding Pro 14 will mean the two fourth placed teams from each conference will play a winner takes all match at the end of the season with the winner qualifying for the European Champions Cup. The new format has been warmly welcomed by all the associated clubs.

The game is set to be played in the first weekend of May with home advantage going to the side with the most points in the regular season. It has been introduced to help ensure both conferences have an equal chance at qualifying for Europe’s biggest Club Rugby Competition.

The opening six places delegated to the Pro 14 for Champions cup qualification is taken by the top three sides in both conference’s and since the South African clubs are ineligible for the competition, if they were to occupy one of those spots, the fourth place side would be qualify.

Martin Anayi, CEO of the PRO14 Rugby, said: “By the time May rolls around our fans are going to be the big winners thanks to the enlarged Guinness PRO14 Final Series which will see six teams battle for the Championship title and another two going at it to qualify for the Champions Cup. That’s double the number of teams who now have something to play for after the regular season ends which is a great result for the clubs, their fans and the tournament.

“We are committed to raising the standards of our Championship and the introduction of the Champions Cup Play-Off brings a dynamic element to European qualification. After careful consultation with our clubs we strongly believe that this is best solution for the Guinness PRO14.

 “The new Championship format is off to a fantastic start and it’s so important to us that no matter which Conference a club is in, eligible teams have an equal opportunity to qualify for the Champions Cup. By pitting the two fourth-placed teams against each other we’re creating a fair fight and giving fans a Cup final style occasion that they can relish.”