Munster, Connacht, Pontypridd and Neath will have huge added incentives to win their Celtic League quarter-finals at the end of the month - they will then have home advantage in the semi-finals in the new year.

The draw, made at the Six Nations Championship offices in Dublin yesterday (11^th November) mean the semi-finals on the first weekend in January, 2003, will be played at either Thomond Park, Galway Sportsground, Sardis Road or The Gnoll.

The decision of the Celtic League Association to stage the semi-finals at genuine home grounds, rather than neutral venues in the country of those teams drawn at home, should maximise attendances with 'home' supporters not forced to travel 'away,' albeit in their own country.

CELTIC LEAGUE 2002 / 2003 SEMI-FINAL DRAW

* The winners of the Pontypridd v Neath quarter-final will have home advantage in the semi-finals against the winner of the Edinburgh Rugby v Cardiff quarter-final

* The winners of the Munster v Connacht quarter-final will have home advantage in the semi-finals against the winner of the Glasgow Rugby v Ulster quarter-final

The semi-finals will be played at the home grounds of either Munster or Connacht and either Pontypridd or Neath on 3 / 4 January, 2003

CELTIC LEAGUE 2002/03 - SEMI-FINALS

(To be played 3 / 4 January, 2003)

Munster or Connacht v Glasgow Rugby or Ulster

Pontypridd or Neath v Edinburgh Rugby or Cardiff

Meanwhile, Celtic League organisers have revealed that a 'Golden Point' method - similar to football's 'Golden Goal' - will be used to settle any tied matches in the competition.

The ruling will operate with immediate effect and will initially be used to settle any tied quarter-final.