The 10th season of the Magners League saw Italy join Ireland, Scotland and Wales in a 12-team cross-border competition; the agreement paving the way for the introduction of two new Italian super sides, Benetton Treviso and Aironi Rugby.

In further moves to align itself with other professional rugby tournaments around the world, Celtic Rugby introduce end of season play-offs to determine the Magners League Champions with the top four teams qualifying for the knockout stage.

Having been at or near the top all season Munster overtook their nearest rivals Ospreys in early January and led from the front to claim their second Celtic title with games still in hand.

Leinster make up for falling short in 2006-2007 and win the Magners League six seasons after claiming the inaugural championship title

The first season of Magners sponsorship saw the Ospreys return to the summit of the league one-point clear of title-chasers Cardiff Blues

Having come close in 2003, Ulster bring the league title back in Irish favour by defeating the reigning champions 19-17 on the final weekend of the season

The league reduces to 11 teams with the demise of the Celtic Warriors and the Ospreys follow the Scarlets' lead to make it two titles in a row for the Welsh regions

As the competition modifies into solely a league-based format with just 12 teams, the Scarlets become the first Welsh representatives to win the championship

As the league is expanded to 16 teams Munster make good on the disappointment of the previous season to defeat Neath 37-17 in the final

Leinster defeat Munster 24-20 at Lansdowne Road to seal victory in an all-Irish final of the inaugural season of the competition