A knockout format will be used to decide the competition’s champions from 2009-10.

The 10-team Celtic competition featuring teams from Scotland, Ireland and Wales will follow England’s Guinness Premiership and the French Top 14 in deciding its title-winning team in this way.

The new Magners League season, which kicks off on Friday week, will be the last in its present format.

“It lengthens interest in the season, and that’s important for everybody,” said Young.

“Play-offs will change the focus of the season. You’ll still want to be first or second to get a home play-off, but it’ll be all about winning that final.”

Play-offs were introduced in the English game six seasons ago, with Wasps landing four titles during that period, courtesy of grand final successes at Twickenham.

Gaffney added: “Play-offs certainly can’t hurt. They add weight to the tail of the season and make it more interesting if one of the frontrunners has got away early.”