Organisers have announced changes to the qualification for the Champions Cup. It appears their patience with the Italian guaranteed place from the Pro12 has run out and they have removed the guaranteed country participation criteria for the league. This means that the top 7 placed sides in the Pro12 will qualify for the Champions Cup (as opposed to 6 plus the best placed Italian side, assuming they are not in the top 6!).
In addition the winner of the Champions Cup will also now qualify for the Champions Cup. No change to the top 6 criteria from Premiership and Top 14. Not clear on the thing I read what happens if the Champions Cup Winners are already qualified through league placings (either beaten finalists will go in or more realistically, next best placed in the league in which the winners play I guess?).
All good and sensible and helpful to Edinburgh Rugby.