Each group will consist of 5 teams, (giving 8 group matches and 2 byes) based on each teams top 15 players average CSR (i.e. group 1 will consist of the top 5 teams with the highest average CSR). Groups 1-4 will play for the Cup, 5-8 the Plate, 9-12 the Bowl, 13-16 the Shield, 17-20 the Vase and 21-24 will play for the Plaque.
The teams that finish on top of the table in each group will earn home games in the knockout round and the quarter finals as a reward for topping their groups.
The teams that finish in 2nd place on the table in each group will earn home games in the knock-out round only, as a reward for coming 2nd.
Teams that finish 5th will play-off in a Wooden Spoon competition featuring all the teams that did not qualify for the regular finals. It will be in 3 levels; Gold, Silver & Bronze.
During the group rounds, the teams will be awarded 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw, and a possible bonus point (BT) for scoring 4 tries or more, regardless of the results, and a bonus point (BL) for losing by 7 points or less. |