I understand the rabo direct pro 12 teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy Aviva premiership the english teams adn he French top 14 compete to get into the heineken up by each tournaments own rules. Why are these tournaments taking place while the heineken up is taking place ? is it for the next years Heineken cup?I understand the rabo direct pro 12 teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy Aviva premiership the english teams adn he French top 14 compete to get into the heineken up by each tournaments own rules. Why are these tournaments taking place while the heineken up is taking place ? is it for the next years Heineken cup?

Its like footballs Champions league. Those from the other top leagues in Europe qualify for it. The RaboDirect Pro 12, Aviva premiership and Top 14 are separate competitions and play in their own right, not just solely for the purpose of the Heineken cup. Indeed the Top 14 trophy has been well established for a length period of time.