Let’s start at the other end of the piece of string. This was the finishing order of the 2023 Six Nations: England France Wales Scotland Italy Ireland We must start there, since it is the end goal, the raison d’être, of the newly extended Celtic Challenge. It shows the three competitors placed third, fourth and
Celtic Challenge – Round Four Cardiff Arms Park, Third v Fourth A thoroughly exciting game, possibly the best of the series so far. After a kick-tennis start, the game really warmed up. Gwalia were held on the line, then Jenny De Vera made a thrilling break through midfield and found an off-load. Lightning repossessed and
Round 4 – Celtic Challenge Kingspan, Belfast For the less inexperienced visitors this was invaluable game-time, one of the main reasons for the introduction of the Challenge. Their advantage lay in the back-row pairing of Alex Callender (skipper) and Sioned Harries, 110 caps between them. But Wolfhounds took profit from the presence of Grace Moore,
Round Four – Celtic Challenge Scotstoun Clovers struck at once. A dominant scrum followed by strong drives gave Kate Flannery the time and space to hoist a pinpoint cross-kick into the hands of Clare Gorman on the left wing; an inside pass sent Méabh Deely over the line. Clovers looked a good deal sharper, getting
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
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