The 24 teams that qualify for the tournament will be divided into four tiers of six teams each, based on their European performances over the past four seasons. The teams from each tier will then be kept apart in the draw for the Pools for the 2008/2009 Heineken Cup whose final will be in Murrayfield.

Meanwhile, speculation that former Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins was in line to succeed Jim Williams in the Munster management set-up ended with the news that Jenkins will be returning to the region as Head of Regional Development and Recruitment; a newly created role focusing on the development of young talent, strengthening links with grassroots rugby and attracting world-class players.