Weekend 2 January Fixtures: Celtic Challenge – Round Four Saturday 27, Glasgow Warriors v Clovers, Scotstoun, KO 14.00 Saturday 27, Wolfhounds v Brython Thunder, KO 19.30 Sunday 28, Gwalia Lightning v Edinburgh Rugby, Cardiff Arms Park, KO 13.30 – all games free to view on rugbypass.tv After a week’s break, teams can welcome new faces
Now that three rounds are complete, we can take stock of this innovative tournament. Standards have varied from very fine to pedestrian, just what you’d expect from sides composed of a few seasoned internationals alongside many youngsters finding their feet. Two tight Sunday finishes showed the Challenge in its best light. But first Glasgow Warriors
Points of Interest Head coaches are keeping twin motives in mind: to achieve the best results possible and to give all squad members their chance. There are a number of firsts: teams playing away (Gwalia); grounds being used (Parc y Scarlets and Scotstoun); and players, some of whom are well known at test level, Caity
Celtic voices were unanimous in welcoming the new Challenge as an important step forward. After the three derbies last week, they got down to the serious business of international contests. Edinburgh Rugby v Irish Wolfhounds The hosts started well on top with good combinations, but as they camped on the Irish line, they failed to
Wales follow Ireland, but not Scotland, in including a leavening of established test players. They have chosen by far the most significant of names for their two teams, delving deep into Welsh history. Brython pays homage to an ancient form of the Welsh language; Gwalia is an equally time-honoiured name for the nation. Their aim
The most refreshing thing about these lists is the absence of players based in England. This is the crucial step each of the Celtic nations must take. One name stands out: Emma Orr, already a highly promising test player at the age of 20, and likely to act as a beacon of hope to the
Ireland have announced the two squads to make up the Clovers (Connacht and Munster combined) and the Wolfhounds (Leinster and Ulster combined). Each is 30 strong. They contain so many familiar names from recent 6 Nations duels and the WXV that you might think the Irish authoities are taking the competition extremely seriously. They won
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