2008–09 Celtic League
The 2008–09 Celtic League (known as the 2008–09 Magners League for sponsorship reasons) was the eighth Celtic League season and the third with Magners as title sponsor. The season began in September 2008 and ended in May 2009. Ten teams played each other on a home-and-away basis, with teams earning four points for a win, and a bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match. Losing teams also earned a bonus point if they lost by seven points or less.
| 2008–09 Celtic League | |
|---|---|
| Countries | Ireland Scotland Wales |
| Champions | Munster (2nd title) |
| Runners-up | Edinburgh |
| Matches played | 90 |
| Attendance | 731,328 (average 8,126 per match) |
| Tries scored | 352 (average 3.9 per match) |
| Top point scorer | Felipe Contepomi (Leinster) James Hook (Ospreys) (161 points) |
| Top try scorer | Thom Evans (Glasgow) (9 tries) |
| Official website | |
| www | |
The ten competing teams consisted of the four Irish provinces, Munster, Leinster, Connacht and Ulster; two Scottish regions, Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors; and four Welsh regions, Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets. The Scarlets were originally known as the "Llanelli Scarlets", but renamed themselves at the start of the season, in order to reflect their regional identity.
Munster were crowned champions on 30 April 2009 after the Ospreys beat the Newport Gwent Dragons 27–18 but failed to claim a bonus point.