Just Two Heineken Cup Places Left

The line-up of clubs that will duel out the 2005/06 Heineken Cup is almost complete. 22 of the 24 competitors have been confirmed for the start of the Pool stages next October.

A third place finish for Viadana in the Italian Super 10 competition has seen them qualify for next Sunday’s Heineken Cup qualification play-off against the Cardiff Blues.

That’s the final shot anyone has at making the ascent to Europe’s top table. One other team is also due to join the list of France’s seven qualifiers, with Gallic rankings to be decided on as their Top 16 championship comes to a close over the next three weeks.

Clermont Auvergne and Agen, who clash at Stade Marcel-Michelin in Round 30 on Saturday, will fight out the final French spot with the winner to go through.

The top Italian ranking will also be decided at the weekend as finalists Benetton Treviso and Rugby Calvisano meet for the Italian Super 10 title in Padova.

2005/06 Heineken Cup Confirmed Qualifiers:

ENGLAND (6): London Wasps, Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks, Bath Rugby, Saracens, Leeds Tykes.

FRANCE (7): (Rankings and seventh qualifier to be decided) Biarritz Olympique, Bourgoin, Castres Olympique, Perpignan, Stade Francais Paris, Toulouse.

IRELAND (3): Munster, Leinster, Ulster.

ITALY (2): (Rankings to be decided on Saturday, May 28) Benetton Treviso, Rugby Calvisano.

SCOTLAND (2): Glasgow Rugby, Edinburgh Rugby.

WALES (3): The Ospreys, Newport-Gwent Dragons, Llanelli Scarlets.

PLAY-OFF (1): Viadana v Cardiff Blues, Stadio Aldo Invernici, Brescia (Sunday, May 29, kick-off 5.00pm).