Even without Ireland second row Jeremy Davidson (right), Castres managed to secure a place in next season's Heineken European Cup ompetition when they beat Colomiers 37-26 at the weekend and it also guaranteed them a place in the semi-finals of the French championship. Toulouse beat Perpignan 20-15 to also ensure a passage to the semis and a European Cup place.

Five French teams have already qualified for next season's European Cup - Castres, Montferrand, this season's beaten finalists Stade Francais, Biarritz and Toulouse, while the winner of the game between Agen and Perpignan will also qualify.

Davidson, who captained Castres this season in what is a rare honour for a non-native, could face his former club next season as he has already confirmed his return to Ulster prior to this week's departure with the Lions to Australia.