It'll be tough, says Titans ace Shane

Instead of eight going into the big promotion shoot-out, only four will make it, meaning that no-one will be able to afford to step off the gas and experiment like some sides have been able to do in the closing weeks of the regular season in recent years.

Mid-table won't mean a passport to the play-offs any more. It will mean there is still work to do and that can only make for better, keener rugby.

It's a fact acknowledged by coach Andre Bester and his players, not least prop forward Shane Cahill.

The Irishman has been around long enough to see the impact the promotion play-offs have had and recognises the changes the new order will bring.

He said: "The thing that gets instilled into us is that we want that top-four finish. With the rules of the Championship changing, we know we can't take our foot off the gas the whole season."

Titans kick off their home fixtures on Sunday against Bedford Blues (3pm)