The Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to be the biggest showcase of women’s rugby to date, and the Celtic Challenge will be strongly represented on the global stage. A total of 44 Celtic Challenge players have been selected across Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Ireland
Ireland have named a powerful squad featuring 18 forwards and 14 backs, jointly captained by Edel McMahon and Sam Monaghan.
The squad includes an exciting blend of established internationals and fresh talent. Beth Buttimer, who shone in the recent U20 Summer Series, receives her first senior call-up, while clovers young talent Ivana Kiripati was capped during the summer warm-up games and has secured her place in the final squad.
Head Coach Scott Bemand said:
“When we qualified for the Rugby World Cup in April 2024, we knew it gave us a solid amount of time to prepare for the tournament. We have used that time to build depth and cultivate our ‘Green Wave’. The majority of this squad have now been together since the start of June, and we are excited to finally get going.”
Clovers
- Amee-Leigh Costigan
- Anna McGann
- Aoibheann Reilly
- Béibhinn Parsons
- Beth Buttimer
- Edel McMahon
- Emily Lane
- Enya Breen
- Ivana Kiripati
- Méabh Deely
- Nicole Fowley
- Ruth Campbell
- Sadhbh McGrath
- Siobhán McCarthy
Wolfhounds
- Aoife Dalton
- Aoife Wafer
- Brittany Hogan
- Claire Boles
- Dannah O’Brien
- Eve Higgins
- Fiona Tuite
- Linda Djougang
- Molly Scuffil-McCabe
- Niamh O’Dowd
- Stacey Flood
Scotland
Scotland’s World Cup squad balances seasoned internationals with a new wave of talent. Winger Hannah Walker earns her first senior call-up, while Hannah Ramsay recently secured her first two caps in summer Tests against Italy and Ireland.
The other players preparing for their Rugby World Cup debut are Becky Boyd, Adelle Ferrie, Lisa Cockburn, Molly Poolman, Beth Blacklock, Leia Brebner-Holden, Rhea Clarke, Francesca McGhie, Hannah Walker, Hannah Ramsay and back-row duo Evie Gallagher and Alex Stewart.
Glasgow Warriors
- Lisa Cockburn
Edinburgh Rugby
- Adelle Ferrie
- Alex Stewart
- Hannah Ramsay
- Hannah Walker
- Molly Poolman
- Rhea Clarke
Wales
Wales Head Coach Sean Lynn has selected a 32-player squad, describing it as a blend of experience and young talent ready to shine on the world stage.
“These are the 32 players who have earned the privilege and honour to represent Wales at what will be the biggest and best women’s Rugby World Cup. The Wales squad selected is a mix of experience and exciting young talent that have all proved they deserve the opportunity to play on the biggest stage of a World Cup.
As coaches, there were some tough calls on selection but this is the strongest squad we could have selected and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead of us. For players, coaches and staff, this promises to be the pinnacle of all our careers and one that we are relishing. We know we are representing a proud rugby nation and we are determined to do the nation proud.”
Brython Thunder
- Gwen Crabb
Gwalia Lightning
- Alaw Pyrs
- Bryonie King
- Catherine Richards
- Jenni Scoble
- Katherine Baverstock
- Kerin Lake
- Maisie Davies
- Meg Davies
- Molly Reardon
- Seren Lockwood
- Tilly Vucaj
As the Rugby World Cup kicks off, fans across the Celtic nations will be proud to see so many of their players taking centre stage on the sport’s biggest platform. Heres where you can watch them in action:
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Fixtures:
Ireland
- Sunday, 24 August: Ireland v Japan, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, 12pm
- Sunday, 31 August: Ireland v Spain, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, 12pm
- Sunday, 7 September: Ireland v New Zealand, Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton, 2.45pm.
Scotland:
- Saturday, 23 August: Scotland v Wales, Salford Community Stadium, Manchester, 2.45pm
- Saturday, 30 August: Scotland v Fiji, Salford Community Stadium, Manchester, 2.45pm
- Saturday, 6 September: Canada v Scotland, Sandy Park, Exeter, 12pm.
Wales:
- Saturday, 23 August: Wales v Scotland, Salford Community Stadium, Manchester, 2.45pm
- Saturday, 30 August: Wales v Canada, Salford Community Stadium, Manchester, 12pm
- Saturday, 6 September: Wales v Fiji, Sandy Park, Exeter, 2.45pm.
For more Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 information click here.
