The excitement is mounting across three nations. The Celtic Challenge starts anew on 20 December.
The one big gap as a third campaign gets under way is a national selection committee for the two Welsh franchises, Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning.
There’ll be two established sets of coaches in place observing, and no doubt other people placed high in the WRU hierarchy. But it’s six weeks since Ioan Cunningham resigned as head coach, so no single person is on hand to take full charge of the refining process.
The WRU has plenty on its plate sorting out the men’s side of the game, but the CC is a central plank in the new structures of women’s rugby, and needs the most careful monitoring.
There are any number of highly qualifed people capable of doing a competent job of analysing performances; Liza Burgess and Siwan Lillicrap to name but two.
At least the tournament lasts through into March, by when we must fervently hope a new Welsh squad will know exactly which way it is facing, and what style of play they’re to adopt for the Six Nations. The players must be desperate to rid themselves of the wooden spoon.
For the moment, it remains East Wales playing West, with no quarter given.
Decision made
Claire Cruikshank, the former head coach of Sweden and now in charge of Edinburgh Rugby, has appointed Alex Stewart captain. Stewart is one of the prime examples of how the CC is unearthing great talent. She has already earned eight caps.
Round One Fixtures
As is now traditional, the tournament starts with three derby matches.
Friday 20 December
Edinburgh Rugby v Glasgow Warriors, The Hive, Edinburgh, KO 19.35
Saturday 21 December
Gwalia Lightning v Brython Thunder, Ystrad Mynach, KO 14.30
Sunday 22 December
Wolfhounds v Clovers, Energia Park, Dublin, KO 16.00
Coverage
More people than ever will be able to follow games live. TG4 in Ireland, the BBC and rugbypass.tv will all be involved.
