Bernard Jackman believes the United Rugby Championship is going to get "better and better" in the coming seasons as the improving South African teams contribute towards an increasingly competitive league.
On Thursday the URC confirmed this season's final will be hosted by the highest-ranked team.
It adds another edge to the campaign's climax - and Jackman says this is just the start of a competition that is only going to get stronger.
"I think (the URC) is going to get better and better," he told RTÉ 2fm's Game On.
"The South African teams were rushed into it. They came to the northern hemisphere early in the season, not really equipped, hadn't played many friendlies, didn't really understand the style of play or what's required to win.
"I think you've seen since they came back in 2022, little glimpses - they've improved their understanding, plus they're recruiting really heavily for next year.
"More Springboks are talking to the South African franchises rather than going to Japan. I think this is going to be a much better league over the next couple of years."
Leinster are currently 10 points clear at the top of the table and would on course to host the final if they get there. The top two at the end of the regular season will also have home advantage in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
"I think it's an extra incentive," Jackman added. "This is the most competitive run-in we've had in years in this competition. I know it's a different format but in terms of the domestic competition for the Celtic nations, and now obviously we have the South Africans added.
"It's very, very tight. Leinster have a nice buffer of ten points, but if you look at the squad they've sent to South Africa (for games against the Sharks and Stormers), they've left a lot of their internationals at home.
"They may not pick up many points in South Africa on this tour and then they'd be left with a home game against Munster to make sure they finish top. It certainly gives a carrot to the likes of Ulster and Glasgow who would have hopes of finishing first and then obviously hoping to keep that seeding all the way through to get a home final.
"Underneath Leinster it's so competitive. It is all to play for. Even the South African teams that had a slow start are now getting momentum with the Sharks, the Stormers and the Bulls all in the top eight, which is probably what this competition needed to be honest.
"Now it's up to the Welsh in particular to get their act together and be more competitive. They're going to lose out on Champions Cup qualification and if they don't improve that will be a year on year effect for them. That will reduce their competitiveness and reduce their finances et cetera."
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