Inter-city bout to kickstart 2024/25 Celtic Challenge

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Edinburgh players celebrate after Emma Orr scores a try during a Celtic Challenge match between Edinburgh Rugby and Wolfhounds at the Hive Stadium, on February 17, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Simon Wootton / SNS Group)

Tournament organisers today revealed the fixtures for the highly anticipated 2024/25 season, setting the stage for 10 thrilling rounds of rugby action. The new-look league will bring fans across Ireland, Scotland, and Wales closer to the women’s game, with each match showcasing the best and brightest across each nation.

Ticketing information will be confirmed on Friday.

Edinburgh started last season’s campaign with an historic win against their Westwards counterparts, claiming a 28-12 win in the side’s first ever match in front of a 2,000 strong home crowd.

The capital side once again kick-off against the Warriors, headlining an expanded Celtic Challenge competition that will see Edinburgh play all last season’s competitors home and away, including Glasgow.

Full squad news and broadcast arrangements will be announced in coming weeks.

On the upcoming tournament, Head Coach Claire Cruikshank said: “The tournament promises to be even bigger and better this season and there’s no start more exciting than facing Glasgow at home. It was an honour to be involved in the inaugural women’s inter-city derby last year and we’re all hopeful of another big crowd this year.

“The home and away fixtures add another dimension to the tournament, as we’ll welcome the Welsh sides to Hive Stadium for the first time, as well as travelling to Ireland for two away fixtures.”

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, added: “The Celtic Challenge games at Hive Stadium were hugely exciting last season and we’re looking forward to being able to host more matches for our women’s side in anew, expanded tournament format.

“Last season’s inter-city derby was an historic moment for the club, and I’d encourage fans to support the team again on the 20^th of December to make it another special occasion!” 

Edinburgh Rugby Celtic Challenge Fixtures 2024/25 

Friday 20 December, 7.35pm | Edinburgh vs Glasgow | Hive Stadium 

Saturday 4 January, 2pm | Edinburgh vs Brython Thunder | Hive Stadium 

Saturday 11 January, 3pm | Clovers vs Edinburgh | Virgin Media Park Cork

Sunday 26 January, 11.30am | Edinburgh vs Gwalia Lightning | Hive Stadium 

Saturday 1 February, 2pm | Gwalia Lightning vs Edinburgh | Ystrad Mynach

Saturday 8 February, 12.30pm | Brython Thunder vs Edinburgh | Parc y Scarlets

Saturday 15 February, 2pm | Glasgow vs Edinburgh | Scotstoun Stadium

Saturday 22 February, 2pm | Edinburgh vs Wolfhounds | Hive Stadium 

Saturday 1 March, 1pm | Edinburgh vs Clovers | Hive Stadium 

Saturday 8 March, 12.15pm | Wolfhounds vs Edinburgh | Energia Park

About Celtic Challenge:

The Celtic Challenge is the first Women’s domestic Cross-Border Competition. The League is played between 6 Teams across 3 nations over 10 rounds. At the end of the season, the team with the highest table standing will be crowned Champions.

The League is designed to develop and inspire World Class performance through elite Competition, it is the highest form of domestic rugby across Wales, Scotland, and Ireland and acts as a pathway for current and future International Talent.

For further information about the Celtic Challenge please visit: https://celticrugbycomp.com/