Finishing in a low position in the league meant that to qualify for the Heineken Cup, Cardiff Blues had to compete in a play-off game against the third place Italian side Arix Viadana. Cardiff Blues won this game 38–9, thus qualifying for the Heineken Cup through what the media described as the cat flap. This was only the second away win of the season, and the governing body made plans to ensure that performance on the field would dramatically improve the following season.