Team names and fixtures for Celtic Challenge tournament announced
NEW TEAMS: Munster and Connacht will combine to be called the Clovers with Leinster and Ulster combining to be called Wolfhounds for the upcoming Celtic Challenge tournament. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady
The fixtures and team names for the Celtic Challenge tournament have been announced. The cross-border club competition between the IRFU, Scottish Rugby and the WRU will kick off on Friday December 29 and will span across 11 weeks to Sunday March 3 2024. The Irish games will be played across three venues; Musgrave Park, Energia Park and Kingspan Stadium.
The Celtic Challenge returns with a new look line-up for this season. The tournament has expanded to include two teams from each Union with a total of six teams competing - Clovers, Wolfhounds, Edinburgh Rugby, Glasgow Warriors, Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning.
The two Irish teams competing are a combination of the four provinces. Connacht and Munster will combine to become Clovers while Leinster and Ulster become Wolfhounds. In order to ensure quality game time and positional cover, there will also be some cross cover with the provincial players.
There will be a new format to the competition which will see five rounds this year. Round one will be a derby day clash for the home Unions with their respective sides facing off for the first time.
The play-offs will be over three rounds with each round hosted by a Home Union as a doubleheader event. The fixtures, will be determined by regular round standings, will be a culmination of the competition's most competitive fixtures as teams go head-to-head.
Gillian McDarby, IRFU Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways, commented:
“The IRFU considers the Celtic Challenge an integral tournament for the development of women’s rugby players in Ireland. It will play a significant role in the player pathway moving forward.”
“In its inaugural/pilot season, one team represented each of the home nations (Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). However, for the 2024 season, we have expanded the Cross Border competition to include two teams from each Union.”
“The collective goal of the three unions is to elevate the Celtic Challenge to the highest level of competition possible, ensuring that players are in the best position to compete in the Women’s 6N.”
The first game will see the Clovers take on the Wolfhounds at Musgrave Park on Friday December 29. Tickets will be available through the provinces.
Friday December 29 2023, Wolfhounds v Clovers, Musgrave Park, 1pm
Saturday December 30 2023, Edinburgh Rugby v Glasgow Warriors, Hive Stadium, 12pm
Monday January 1 2024, Byrthon Thunder v Gwalia Lightning, TBC, TBC
Saturday January 6 2024, Edinburgh Rugby v Wolfhounds, Hive Stadium. 2pm
Saturday January 6 2024, Clovers v Brython Thunder, Energia Park, 2.30pm
Sunday January 7 2024, Gwalia Lightning v Glasgow Warriors, Cardiff Arms Park, 1.30pm
Saturday January 13 2024, Glasgow Warriors v Wolfhounds, Scotstoun Stadium, 2pm
Sunday January 14 2024, Clovers v Gwalia Lightning, Musgrave Park, 1pm
Sunday January 14 2024, Brython Thunder v Edinburgh Rugby, Parc y Scarlets, 1.30pm
Saturday January 27 2024, Gwalia Lightning v Edinburge Rugby, Cardiff Arms Park, 1.30pm
Saturday January 27 2024, Glasgow Warriors v Clovers, Scotstoun Stadium, 2pm
Saturday January 27, 2024, Wolfhounds v Brython Thunder, Kingspan Stadium, 7.30pm
Saturday February 3 2024, Edinburgh Rugby v Clovers, Hive Stadium, 12.30pm
Saturday February 3 2024, Wolfhounds v Gwalia Lightning, Energia Park, 2.30pm
Saturday February 3 2024, Brython Thunder v Glasgow Warriors, Stadium CSM, 2.30pm
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