ABOUT US
About the Celtic Challenge
The Celtic Challenge is the first women’s cross-border rugby competition, covering the Celtic nations, uniting six elite teams from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in a dynamic and competitive league. Launched in 2023, the groundbreaking tournament serves as a vital platform for developing world-class talent and bridging the gap between domestic and international rugby.
Celtic Challenge Honours List
2024/25 – Winners: Wolfhounds, Runners-up: Clovers
2023/24 – Winners: Wolfhounds, Runners-up: Edinburgh Rugby
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop and inspire world-class performance through elite competition.
We are committed to fostering high-performance opportunities for female rugby players. By providing a structured and competitive environment. The league aims to:
- Enhance player development and readiness for international competition.
- Increase visibility and support for women’s rugby across the participating nations.
- Strengthen opportunities for players at an elite level in the Home Nations.
Competition Format
The 2024/25 season marks a significant evolution in the Celtic Challenge’s structure.
- Teams: Six teams, with two representing each nation:
- Ireland: Clovers and Wolfhounds
- Scotland: Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors
- Wales: Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder
- Season Schedule: The league runs from December to March, featuring:
- 10 rounds of matches
- Each team plays five home and five away games
- A total of 30 matches across the season
- The team with the highest standings at the end is crowned the champions
Development and Impact
Since its inception, the Celtic Challenge has made significant strides in advancing women’s rugby:
- In the 2024/25 season, over 73 players progressed to feature in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, with eight earning their full international debuts.
- In the 2023/24 season, over 68 players progressed to feature in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, with eight earning their full international debuts.
- The league has seen increased attendances and secured broadcast partnerships with BBC Scotland, BBC Wales, and Rugby Pass TV, enhancing the sport’s visibility and attracting new fans globally.
Governance and Support
The Celtic Challenge is a collaborative initiative between the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), Scottish Rugby (SRU), and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), with support from World Rugby.
Looking Ahead
The Celtic Challenge continues to innovate and develop, with enhanced operating standards, increased visibility, and improved playing and training environments. These advancements aim to further the league and solidify its role as a strategic pillar of women’s rugby in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
Contacts
For further information or general queries, please email [email protected].
For press enquiries, please email [email protected].
