The Magners League

The Celtic League was launched in the summer of 2001 with teams from Wales, and Ireland forming 2 leagues of 8 teams, the top four from each league would then progess to a knockout stage.

In 2004 the league expanded with the inclution of the Scottish teams. On 8 March 2010 it was confirmed that a deal had been finalised for Aironi and Benetton Treviso to enter the Magners League from the 2010-11 season. They will also be guaranteed the Italian places in the Heineken Cup

A formal structure was agreed and the 12-team tournament was for the first time played on a 22-game home and away basis with all the participating teams appearing in one league. A new initiative of a knockout cup competition played over four weekends was also introduced into the structure at this time.

In May 2006 Magners Irish Cider announced that it would become the title sponsor for the next five seasons, thus the league will now become the 'Magners League'. Although in the Republic of Ireland, the brand is known as Bulmers Irish Cider, the title of the tournament will remain the same regardless ie the 'Magners League'