Heineken Cup "Third" Jerseys Coming to the Fore?

In the 2000s a media guru by the name of Max Guazzini introduced the predominantly soccer concept of a third jersey into the very successful Stade Français team.  Mostly as a measure of improving revenue stream while supplementing the team's profile, the club's fine array of garish kits seem to glow brighter with every passing season, leaving us with 2010/11's third jersey, mostly used in European competition:


Other teams followed suit, most notably Bath, Northampton, Cardiff Blues, Llanelli Scarlets etc.  While Guazzini should be applauded for his entrepreneurship, it begs the question, are such jerseys necessary?

Biarritz Third Jersey - just for show?

Ospreys Third Jersey - expendable?

Cardiff Blues don't think so, and have scrapped their European jersey from last season, instead incorporating elements of it into both their home and alternate jerseys, with the home kit to be worn in all competitions.  Munster and Connacht have never had one, and up until this season neither had Leinster or Ulster...

Ulster's Rory Best - never had a third jersey...  Until now

Leinster's decision to release a Heineken Cup jersey had the rumour mill flowing, the main tidbit being that ERC was making a third jersey compulsory, but a thorough examination of their rules for both the Heineken Cup and the Challenge Cup state that if there is a colour clash, the home team must change into their alternate jersey.  Most Leinster fans seem to love this new jersey, the only lament being the lack of gold in it.  Meanwhile Ulster have been no slouches, releasing a blue (increasingly popular on our emerald isle this season) European jersey developed by Kukri.  Ulster and Leinster must have developed quite a bond after their combined provinces drubbing of Munster/Connacht, as their nigh on indistinguishable third jerseys show. Here's hoping they don't do battle on the European stage, for the spectators' sake!