Hive Stadium to host inaugural Celtic Challenge Final
28 Jan 2026Edinburgh Rugby is proud to announce the home of the capital club, Hive Stadium, has been selected to host the first-ever Celtic Challenge Final on Saturday 28 March (kick-off 3pm).
Edinburgh Rugby is proud to announce the home of the capital club, Hive Stadium, has been selected to host the first-ever Celtic Challenge Final on Saturday 28 March (kick-off 3pm).
This landmark fixture represents another significant milestone for the club’s home ground.
Since opening its gates, the venue has evolved rapidly into a versatile hub for the sport, having played host to Schools and Youth Cup Finals, age-grade rugby, and international fixtures for both men’s and women’s teams – all while serving as the vibrant weekly home for Edinburgh Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship and European Cup competition.
The Celtic Challenge Final now adds to the stadium’s growing list of accolades, further cementing its reputation as one of the premier rugby-specific venues in Scotland.
Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Hive Stadium hosting the first-ever Celtic Challenge Final.
“It is a massive moment for this club and the development of the league. Hive Stadium is consistently recognised as a great venue to watch rugby – independently ranked alongside the best-rated matchdays in the URC – so it is fantastic that we can bring this showpiece final to the Scottish capital.
“We would love to see our own Edinburgh Rugby women’s team make a push through the play-offs to play a home final, but whatever happens, it will be a brilliant moment for the sport to host the Final here at Hive Stadium.”
Gemma Fay, Managing Director of Women’s Rugby at Scottish Rugby, added: “This is a brilliant step forward for the league.
“Hive Stadium has become synonymous with women’s rugby in Scotland. We have seen some magical moments here, from Edinburgh Rugby’s rise, to the electrifying atmosphere of last season’s Women’s Six Nations, where the world’s best talent graced this pitch.
“Now, it’s the turn of the Celtic Challenge to take the spotlight. This venue provides the perfect stage for the next generation of stars to shine, and I’d encourage every club, player, and fan across the country to join us at Hive Stadium for what will be a defining showcase for the women’s game.”
Josh Payne, speaking on behalf of the Celtic Challenge, said: “We are incredibly pleased to be staging the inaugural Celtic Challenge Final at Hive Stadium.
“This moment reflects the growth, passion, and competitive drive of the teams and players involved. It’s also a testament to the commitment of our three nations to elevate women’s rugby, and we can’t wait to see fans from across the Celtic nations unite in Edinburgh for what promises to be a memorable occasion.”
Now in its third season, the Celtic Challenge has firmly established itself as a powerhouse of women’s rugby across Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Its high-intensity fixtures have become a launchpad for international talent, with numerous players from this season earning places in the latest international training squads.
This year’s new play-off format, culminating in a standalone final, represents a milestone for the competition, and a celebration of both elite performance and the growing strength of Celtic rugby on the global stage.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via the link below. For supporters unable to attend, the match will be broadcast live across BBC, TG4, and the official Celtic Challenge YouTube channel, ensuring global access to this historic moment for the women’s game.