ABOUT US
About the Celtic Challenge
The ultimate women’s cross-border rugby competition – A League which showcases the six best teams across Ireland, Scotland, and Wales as they compete to be crowned Celtic Challenge champions. Launched in 2023, this pioneering competition provides a vital platform for world-class talent and bridging the gap between domestic and international rugby. It represents a bold commitment to growing the women’s game across the Celtic nations.
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 deliver a competitive, engaging, and commercially viable rugby competition that supports the long-term sustainability of women’s rugby in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
We are committed to fostering high-performance opportunities for female players and ensuring a strong, sustainable future for the women’s game.
The Celtic Challenge aims to:
- Deliver highly engaging and unmissable entertainment.
- Drive world-class performances through our players and teams.
- Create long-term value, visibility, and meaningful engagement for our stakeholders
Competition Format
The 2025/26 season marks an exciting evolution in the Celtic Challenge’s structure.
Teams – Six sides representing the three nations:
- Ireland: Clovers and Wolfhounds
- Scotland: Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors
- Wales: Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder
Season Schedule:
- Runs from December to March
- 10 regular-season rounds – each team plays five home and five away matches
- The top four teams advance to the playoffs
- Semi-finals: the top two teams host the bottom two
- Winners progress to the Final, where the champions are crowned Celtic Challenge Winners
Development and Impact
Since its inception, the Celtic Challenge has been instrumental in advancing women’s rugby across the Celtic nations:
- Ahead of the 2025/26 season, 65 players represented the Celtic Challenge at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
- 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.
- During its tenure, 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.
Looking Ahead
As the Celtic Challenge evolves, it continues to raise standards across all aspects of the competition, from operations and visibility, to player welfare and performance environments. These advancements reinforce the league’s role as a strategic pillar in the ongoing development of women’s rugby in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
Contacts
For general information or enquiries: info@celticrugbycomp.com
For media or press enquiries: media@celticrugbycomp.com
