Roll over.

Munster and Ulster will clash in Thomond Park this weekend, as the regular Guinness PRO14 season comes to a close.

The southern province are sitting pretty in second place in Conference A, nine points clear of third place Cheetahs. No matter what happens this weekend – Munster have a home quarter final, and a Champions Cup spot secured.

Ulster meanwhile are fourth in Conference B, four points behind Richard Cockerill’s Edinburgh. If they do not overtake Edinburgh this weekend – it’s likely they won’t automatically qualify for next year’s Champions Cup (the top the top three sides in each conference qualify, with the South African sides not eligible.)

It was suggested this week that the Scottish Rugby Union would perhaps encourage Glasgow, who are guaranteed first in Conference A no matter what, to ‘roll over’ against Edinburgh this weekend, thus ensuring both Scottish sides are in the play-offs and have Champions Cup rugby next season.

Cockerill dismissed that notion, stating that hasn’t been discussed between him and Glasgow head coach Dave Rennie. But he did suggest maybe the IRFU might want to look at doing it.

“Me and Dave [Rennie] haven’t got a gentleman’s agreement at this point,” said Cockerill with a smile yesterday.

“I’m not sure we’ll have one by the time we kick off. Maybe the Irish should have a look at Ulster and Munster if that’s the case”

Ulster will likely have another chance with play-0ff for a Champions Cup spot should they not overtake Edinburgh, and can technically still automatically qualify if results go their way.

But realistically, they need to finish above them to be safe. That would mean a bonus-point win over Munster, with Glasgow beating Edinburgh.

Will the IRFU ask Munster to roll over? Will the SRU ask Glasgow to roll over? Both unions want as many of their clubs in the Champions Cup as possible due to the financial windfall it brings, so it’s not entirely impossible.

[H/T Balls.ie]