England has six automatic Heineken Cup places each season. There is the possibility of a seventh if English clubs win the Heineken Cup or the Amlin Challenge Cup. The winners of the 2012/13 LV= Cup will qualify for the 2013/14 Heineken Cup
Qualification for the Heineken Cup 2012/13 was based on results from the 2011/12 season:
First place AVIVA Premiership: Harlequins
Second place AVIVA Premiership: Leicester Tigers (LV= Cup winners)
Third place AVIVA Premiership: Saracens
Fourth place AVIVA Premiership: Northampton Saints
Fifth place AVIVA Premiership: Exeter Chiefs
Sixth place AVIVA Premiership: Sale Sharks
