Revamped Celtic Challenge fixtures announced

The Celtic Challenge will be looking to build on the success of this year's record-breaking Rugby World Cup in England

Celtic Challenge 2025-2026

Dates: 20 December - 29 March

Coverage: Watch all Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder games live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app.

The fixtures have been announced for 2025-2026 Celtic Challenge.

The cross-border women's tournament is now in its third season and for the first time will feature play-offs and a grand final.

Ireland's Wolfhounds and Clovers, Wales' Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder and Scotland's Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh will play 10 regular rounds before the top four sides progress to the play-offs.

The top two will have home semi-finals, with the title to be decided on the weekend of 29 March, the venue of which has yet to be confirmed.

Defending champions Wolfhounds will open their campaign at home to Edinburgh on 20 December while Brython Thunder host Glasgow Warriors and Clovers take on Gwalia Lightning.

Rounds two and 10 will see home derbies, with the Hive hosting Edinburgh and Glasgow's encounter on 27 December.

Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder go head-to-head at Ystrad Mynach on the same day, while Clovers take on Wolfhounds at Creggs on 3 January.

The squads, which feature returning internationals and emerging talent, are yet to be announced.