Connacht will play in next season’s European Champions Cup after the tournament organisers confirmed 24 teams are to take part in the competition.
Eight teams from the Pro 14, including all the Irish provinces, eight teams from the Top 14 in France, and eight teams from the English Premiership will make up the numbers for next season only.
The reasoning behind it would be down to the Pro 14 being delayed and the cancellation of the Top 14 in France, due to the pandemic.
Two pools of 12 will be assembled, with teams the teams ranked into 4 tiers each playing four pool matches.
The competition will begin in December, with the quarter finals will be over two legs, and the decider to be staged in Marseille next May.