FIXTURES have been released for a revamped 2025/26 Celtic Challenge as excitement builds following a record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup that captured the imagination of fans around the world.
This season marks another major step forward for Women’s rugby across Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, as the ultimate cross-border competition continues to showcase the next generation of talent while welcoming back established internationals fresh from World Cup action.
With Ireland represented by the Ulster/Leinster Wolfhounds and Connacht/Munster Clovers, this season’s innovations will see:
• Introduction of a play-off system, culminating in the first ever Celtic Challenge final, where one team will lift the title and be crowned Celtic Challenge champions
• Home derbies in rounds 2 and 10 promise early drama and a thrilling conclusion to the regular season, reigniting local rivalries and passionate home crowds
• Double header days in Ireland will treat fans to back-to-back action from the Clovers and the Wolfhounds, as the ‘Green Wave’ returns to Irish shores
• A trip to the Cardiff in round 3 sees Brython Thunder head to Cardiff Arms Park to take on the Clovers, in what promises to be a fierce early-season clash
• At the conclusion of the 10-round regular season, running from December to March, the top four seeded teams will progress to the play-offs
• The two highest-ranked sides will host the semi-finals, with 1st versus 4th and 2nd versus 3rd battling for a place in the inaugural final
• The winners of the semi-finals will then meet in the Celtic Challenge final, where they will compete for the honour of becoming the Celtic Challenge champions
Building on the success of last season, every Celtic Challenge match will be broadcast live. This will give fans the chance to follow every tackle, try, and triumph, whether in the stands or from home.
Broadcast partners will be announced in the build-up to the competition, ensuring comprehensive coverage for fans across all three nations and beyond.
Gillian McDarby, the IRFU’s Head of Women’s Performance & Pathways, commented: “The Celtic Challenge provides a vital platform for our players to continue developing in a high-performance environment, while also reconnecting with fans who were inspired by what they saw on the world stage at the recent Rugby World Cup.
“We’re excited to see the Wolfhounds and the Clovers build on last year’s progress and showcase the depth of Irish talent coming through our pathways.”
