The opening round of the 2025/26 Celtic Challenge lived up to expectations showcasing high-quality matchups, standout moments, and strong rivalries to kick off the season.
Props shine in end-to-end contest, but Clovers Prevail by Four Points in Hard-Fought Battle
Energetic front-row play from both sides set the tone at Energia Park, with Ireland’s McGrath and newcomer Niamh Murphy helping the Clovers to early converted scores. Gwalia Lightning responded strongly, with powerful forwards Evie Hill and Maisie Davies scoring either side of a slick try from Courtney Greenway to lead 17-14 at halftime.
The second half remained a tightly contested battle. Clovers’ forwards, led by Sadhbh McGrath and Aoibheann McGrath, crossed for crucial tries, while Caitríona Finn’s accurate kicking kept them ahead. Gwalia continued to threaten, with strong maul work and a late try from Tilly Vucaj earning them two bonus points, but the Clovers ultimately held on for a narrow 28-24 victory.
Both sides delivered standout performances in the scrum and open play, highlighting the intensity and skill of the forwards throughout the match. The game showcased a thrilling mix of tactical kicking, incisive running, and hard-fought defensive work, underlining the competitiveness of the league.
Player of the Match: Sadhbh McGrath (Clovers)
For the full match report: Click here
History made at Parc Y Scarlets as Glasgow Warriors secured their first ever Celtic Challenge away win
Brython Thunder went down 36-22 to Glasgow Warriors in their Celtic Challenge Round 1 opener at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday afternoon. Both sides were level at 12-12 at halftime, reflecting the competitive nature of the first half, with the Welsh side crossing for three tries through Ellie Tromans, Hanna Marshall, and skipper Jess Rogers.
The home side showed glimpses of the form that earned them a double over Glasgow last season, with experienced scrum half Ffion Lewis directing play and Wales wing Amelia Tutt making key defensive interventions. Tromans opened the scoring after strong early pressure, with Marshall converting, before Glasgow hit back with two tries from Sky Phimister, including a clever finish in the corner and a second try midway through the half, converted by Rianna Darroch. Marshall’s try late in the half leveled the score at 12-all.
After the break, Glasgow gradually asserted control. Hannah Smyth scored twice, including a solo effort from halfway, before full-back Poppy Mellanby and lock Holland Bogan crossed for further tries. Brython replied with a driving lineout try from Rogers but could not close the gap.
Player of the Match: Nicole Flynn (Glasgow Warriors)
For the full match report: Click here
Barrett Bags Brace As Wolfhounds Start With Six-Try Win
Ireland Under-20 duo Sophie Barrett and Robyn O’Connor took the opportunity to impress as the Wolfhounds beat Edinburgh Rugby 34-7 to make a winning start to their Celtic Challenge campaign.
Neill Alcorn’s Wolfhounds secured a convincing bonus-point win over Edinburgh at Energia Park, with Ireland centre Aoife Dalton leading a dominant early display. Enniskillen pair Barrett and India Daley both crossed in the opening minutes, the latter from a well-executed maul, before Maggie Boylan added another try to give the hosts a strong platform.
Edinburgh replied with a try from Cat Moody just before halftime, keeping the contest competitive at 12-7. However, the Wolfhounds pulled away in the second half as Barrett and Eve Higgins both crossed for further scores, with full-back O’Connor in standout form throughout the match. Linda Djougang added a late try to complete the 36-12 victory.
The result highlighted the Wolfhounds’ cohesion across a youthful pack and a potent backline, combining strong set-piece play with incisive attacking runs. Persistent defence, smart use of turnovers, and quick counter-attacks proved decisive in the second half.
Player of the Match: Robyn O’Connor (Wolfhounds)
For the full match report: Click here
To watch all Round 1 Highlights click HERE
