World Rugby have confirmed that the Celtic Challenge Women’s Rugby Tournament will return for a second season. The competition has been expanded from three to six teams, and will commence in December. The tournament features teams from Ireland, Scotland and Wales with the aim of bridging the gap from club rugby into the Women’s Six Nations.
Last season, the competition featured Ireland’s Combined Provinces, Welsh Development XV and the Scottish Thistles. Ireland’s Combined Provinces won the inaugural competition back in January and February of this year, as they defeated both of their Welsh and Scottish opponents.
World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby Sally Horrox said: “The feedback from the inaugural year of the Celtic Challenge has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s been impressive to see 24 players already going on to compete in the Women’s Six Nations, who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the competition grow as more teams compete, we strengthen our pathways and increase competitiveness on the road to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.”
Celtic Challenge Competition Manager Josh Payne said: “Following the successful pilot, it is clear to see the development opportunity that is now available for aspiring and promising players through the tournament, and the impact it has already had on the national teams in the TikTok Women’s Six Nations.
“Our focus continues to be providing female players with the right tools and experience to prepare them for the next stage of their rugby journey, whether that be as a professional rugby player or representative honours.”
The three new teams have not yet been confirmed, however the expectation is that there will be two sides fielded from Ireland, Wales and Scotland. World Rugby provide funding for the competition, that is a key stepping stone between the nation’s domestic competitions and the full test match standard of the international scene. This is the latest World Rugby development for Women’s Rugby, following the first-ever WXV global competition that took place throughout October and November.