Two new Welsh teams were introduced to the cross-border competition in the 2023/24 season, one being Brython Thunder.
Developed in collaboration with current players, the brands for the two WRU owned franchises are inspired by ‘Brython’, the first Celtic language, and ‘Gwalia’, the original name for Wales, and will kick off the expanded competition in January 2024.
Brython Thunder will wear red and black, be based at Parc y Scarlets and play their home games out of both Parc y Scarlets and Stadiwm CSM in Colwyn Bay.
Ashley Beck, who has been appointed Wales WU20s Attack coach and played more than 100 games for the Ospreys, led an experienced Thunder squad with the Wales Test stars, likes of Alex Callender, Natalia John and the now retired Sioned Harries, last season.
Ashley Beck, said:
“Working with established international players was a really enjoyable experience and to see how invested they were in the squad underlined how important the Celtic Challenge is as a tournament.
“We grew into the competition as a squad and, if we are honest, the tournament probably finished just as we were getting started as team and establishing our playing combinations and style of play.
“The opportunity to play home and away in the Celtic Challenge is a real challenge but one I know all the players will relish. The chance to test yourself against the best in Wales, Ireland and Scotland is mouthwatering prospect.”
Gwalia Lightning finished third in the final Celtic Challenge table and both teams won a game each in two pulsating Welsh derbies at Rodney Parade and Parc Y Scarlets.