It is:

Backs

*Alana McInerney, Anna McGann; Aoibheann Reilly, Aoife Dalton, Beibhinn Parsons, *Caitriona Finn, Dannah O’Brien, Emily Lane, Enya Breen, Eve Higgins, Nancy McGillivray, *Niamh Gallagher, *Robyn O’Connor; Stacey Flood, Vicky Elmes Kinlan (15)

Forwards

Ailish Quinn, Aoife Wafer, *Beth Buttimer, Brittany Hogan, *Cara McLean, Cliodhna Moloney-Macdonald, Dorothy Wall, Ellen Perry, Erin King, Fiona Tuite, Grace Moore, Jane Clohessy, *Jemima Adams Verling, *India Daley, Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Niamh O’Dowd, *Rosie Searle, Ruth Campbell, Sadhbh McGrath, Sam Monaghan, *Sophie Barrett (22)
* uncapped

For the past two seasons Ireland have been the Six Nations team on the march. Their 2025 RWC run ended with defeat to France in the quarter-finals by a bare five points (13-18).

Prospects

I take the simplistic view that they still need all their top players fit and well to achieve the results they strive for. They are a formidable unit fore and aft.

In that Exeter game they were missing Dorothy Wall and Erin King. Both are now restored. Sam Monaghan had just recovered in time; now her fans will hope to see her at full throttle; ditto Aoife Wafer.

New Faces

Bemand has included ten new faces, a large proportion of the total. It’s vital for Irish success that some at least prove the equal of their seniors. Coaches don’t want their bench to be no more than making up the numbers. That is one secret of England’s success.

One clear example is the out-half position. Bemand cannot possibly expect Dannah O’Brien to play all 400 minutes of the 6N. Who should replace her?

One reason for Ireland’s success in the CC has been the number of home-based players – unlike Scotland and Wales.

This in turn will reveal the true strength of the Celtic Challenge. Wolfhounds are as usual unbeaten, Clovers not quite the force they were.

But the vital No 10 position remains a potential weakness. I suspect Niamh Gallagher might find favour, and she has been playing thoroughly well for Trailfinders in the PWR. Bemand might even prefer to see her start, but she is primarily a 15. That would leave that reserve 10 position up for grabs. The 19-year-old Caitriona Finn is an outside bet, another left-footer who plays for Clovers. But I suspect she must bide her time.

The road ahead

Training is already under way at the High Performance Centre in Dublin.

The 6N adventure starts on the biggest stage, at the Allianz, where 50,000 tickets have already been sold – another record in the making.

The team pays a first visit to Galway, before making its debut at the national Aviva Stadium Dublin. At present only some 12,000 tickets have been bought. The IRFU must be hoping for a big take-up as the tournament progresses.

One shame

Bemand has added another assistant to his staff, Alan O’Connor. That makes five men out of five. Capable as they all may be, it runs counter to World Rugby’s professed wishes (and they are based in Dublin!).

Let’s hope that all goes thoroughly well for the team we must now term the “Green Wave”. They have three home games, and, with everyone staying fit, can present a severe challenge to all their opponents.

He’s making use of the five-week break in the PWR schedule which even allowed certain players off the leash to compete in the Celtic Challenge.

The large total of 47 players offers us three complete teams, plus two more to run the lines.

Unsurprisingly all 30 of the remaining RWC winners are listed. We must lament the absence of Emily Scarratt and Abby Dow, but we can’t have everything.

To fill out the squad Mitchell and his staff have selected no fewer than eleven uncapped players. As we survey the complete list, we may wonder what earthly chance these youngsters have of appearing in the 2026 Six Nations. But it’s called Forward Planning. Many of them have already worn the white shirt at U18 then U20 level.

No age-limit?

At the same time it’s a salutary warning to older players that time doesn’t stand still.

The most senior are Mo Hunt and Marlie Packer. They will be 37 and 36 respectively at the start of the 6N. Marlie may already consider herself at best as second choice No. 7 behind Sadia Kabeya, but Mo?

Lucy Packer, Ella Wyrwas and Flo Robinson are snapping at her heels, but if only two 9s are selected, that will leave more disappointed characters standing around.

Maternity matters

It’s fascinating to see Lark Atkin-Davies’ name included. Rather like Abbie Ward a few seasons ago, she is kept on the strength, with due precautions laid on. A chance for her to polish her refereeing skills?

6N prospects

It’s far too early to indulge in detailed previews, but it’s difficult to see England being knocked off their perch.

France may well present a different challenge under an innovative coach, and it’s their turn to play host. But they have yet to prove they can build a 23 to outlast a Red Roses squad.

Young and not so young

Alongside the eleven newcomers we find nine players with fewer than ten caps. Their chances of preferment are greater, but has competition ever been so tough?

Trailfinders

TF can feel pleased with themselves. Alongside the two RWC winners, Meg Jones and Abi Burton, we find no fewer than four youngsters, all forwards: Jasmine Adonri, Annabel Meta, Hayley Jones and Haidee Head.

It’s that last name that intrigues me. Head was Queensland Reds’ Rookie of the Year in 2023. I’ve been listening to a fascinating hour-long discussion between David Pembroke and Libby Nankievell on all matters women’s rugby, including the RWC, the Wallaroos and prospects for the eleventh RWC in Oz. Have a hunt for rugbyunitypod.substack.com

One criticism they level at RA is the lack of the aforementioned forward planning. They knew Jo Yapp was returning to England but failed to ensure a replacement was lined up. Sam Needs is the interim boss across 2026, and it’s only three years to the next RWC. The Wallaroos can’t afford to let a talented player like Head slip through their fingers. Promising as she may be, England aren’t short of alternatives. Australia, short of cash and enjoying not an atom of goodwill from Rugby League, need all the strength they can muster.

Club distribution

As we must expect, the spread of talent across the squad of 47 neatly reflects PWR standings. Gloucester-Hartpury are the only club to boast double figures; Leicester Tigers the only one to muster none. Once again I have to query the processes by which the PWR board examined Leicester’s planning and expectation of success.

Curtain up!

The squad has already assembled at Pennyhill Park, Surrey.

Then, beaten by only a short head, Scott Bemand has just published 37 names of a first Irish training squad.

Can they continue their splendid advance?

It will be the first time a Red Roses squad has come together since winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup in September.

The squad will assemble today at Pennyhill Park (Monday 12 January).

“2025 was a memorable year for everyone involved with the Red Roses, and one that will go down in history for rugby in this country,” Mitchell said.

“As we enter a new cycle, this camp will focus on aligning our communication and resetting our culture to win.

“It is natural for a rugby cycle to go through regeneration which presents exciting opportunities for young players over the next four years. The quicker they can adapt and contribute to the environment will enhance their opportunities.”

He added: “It is awesome to learn how many supporters have already committed to watching the Red Roses at Allianz Stadium and Ashton Gate in the upcoming Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Thank you for your unwavering support and we are look forward to getting back out there in front of you in the Spring.”

The Red Roses’ first match of 2026 will be at Allianz Stadium on Saturday 11 April when Ireland visit the world champions in the opening round of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

Over 50,000 seats have already been sold for the match with tickets priced from £20 for adults and £5 for juniors. Purchase your tickets from englandrugby.com/tickets.

Red Roses squad for January camp

Forwards

Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 74 caps)
Maisy Allen (Exeter Chiefs, 5 caps)
Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)
Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 79 caps)
Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 4 caps)
May Campbell (Saracens, 5 caps)
Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 23 caps)
Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 21 caps)
Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 89 caps)
Steph Else (Gloucester-Hartpury, uncapped)
Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 23 caps)
Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)
Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 31 caps)
Lizzie Hanlon (Harlequins, 1 cap)
Haidee Head (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)
Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 5 caps)
Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)
Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 28 caps)
Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)
Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 81 caps)
Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)
Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 48 caps)
Marlie Packer (Saracens, 112 caps)
Connie Powell (Harlequins, 19 caps)
Zoe Stratford (Gloucester-Hartpury, 69 caps)
Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 28 caps)
Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 81 caps)
Nicole Wythe (Harlequins, uncapped)

Backs

Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 44 caps)
Jess Breach (Saracens, 53 caps)
Millie David (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 65 caps)
Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 36 caps)
Sophie Hopkins (LOU Rugby, uncapped)*
Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 88 caps)
Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 33 caps)
Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 57 caps)
Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 36 caps)
Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 38 caps)
Sarah Parry (Harlequins, uncapped)
Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 46 caps)
Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury, 4 caps)
Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 13 caps)
Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 2 caps)
Ella Wyrwas (Saracens, 7 caps)

*Playing for LOU Rugby whilst on a study placement year ​

With thanks to England Rugby

The key words on every. coach’s lips are “young” and “youth”. You don’t often find two 18-year-olds facing each other in the front row at elite level.

Brython Thunder v Clovers

But for Brython things changed. They added three eminent internationals to their starting Fifteen, Lisa Neumann, Courtney Keight and especially Gwen Crabb, returning after a lengthy injury absence and appointed captain. She celebrated with a try. More on her decision below.

It was desperately close at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday.

At the start it seemed as though Jess Kavanagh, the Welsh referee, could find fault exclusively with the hosts. They suffered a barrage of penalties. Even their straight throw-ins were deemed crooked. But they survived.

In the end it came down to a penalty scored by Caitriona Finn, the young Irish No 10, and pretender to Dannah O’Brien’s shirt. She, another left-footer, is not quite there yet, but that opening kick proved the margin of difference. One tip: No 10s never reveal an emotion! Faces of stone.

For the rest it was two tries each. Time and again promising moves came to a sudden halt through misplaced passes or wrong options. That must be expected with players lacking yards of experience, but it tests the coaches’ patience to the full.

A fine pass from Aoibheann McGrath to Emily Foley saw the winger extend the lead.

But an excellent cross-kick by Hannah Marshall (10) to Amy Williams (15) narrowed the gap.

Crabb’s try left a 3-point margin. It stayed like that for the last half-hour, agonising for players, staff and spectators.

Clovers clung on. So not even the presence of those three Welsh stars could make the difference; and Brython remain stuck at the bottom of the pile.

Result: Brython 12 Clovers 15
Player of the Match: Aoibheann McGrath

Glasgow Warriors v Gwalia Lightning

The previous day brought a clash between the two sides most hopeful of dislodging Wolfhounds from their pinnacle.

It turned into a stunning away win for the East Walians. Bearing in mind all the travails Cymru rugby is passing through, we may term this a triumph.

The Glaswegians were on top at the start. Poppy Mellanby produced an excellent 50:22, but Alaw Pyrs, ever prominent, managed to rip the ball clear as her line was threatened.

Excellent handling by the Scottish backs gave Sky Phimister all the room she needed to fly over on the right.

From there the only score till the break came from Tilly Vucaj, forcing her way over.

The game was in the balance at 19-19, but it was Warriors who finished the stronger, Courtney Greenway excelling with a hat-trick.

For Welsh fans it was a result to savour, not least since, for once, one of their sides outlasted the opposition.

Result: Glasgow 19 Gwalia 31
Player of the Match: Courtney Greenway

Simplified table

1. Wolfhounds 15 pts
2. Gwalia 11
3. Clovers 9
4. Warriors 7
5. Edinburgh 5
6. Brython 0

Afterthoughts

For once the two Irish sides do not occupy the two top places.

Colours: across the weekend we have had a red strip versus a red-green strip, and a blue versus a blue-white strip. How many colours in a rainbow?

Gwen Crabb’s departure from Gloucester-Hartpury is significant. So strong is their line-up that she hardly had a look-in. Other players may come to a similar decision, though the CC programme is much shorter than the PWR.

Those three Brython test players are/were attached to PWR clubs. Who needs a 5-week break?

It would be fascinating to take a snoop at national head coaches’ notebooks; so many promising youngsters, but who can survive the leap into the big time? We’ll have to wait till the first training squads are announced.

The weather in Edinburgh stayed cold but bearable. The hosts knew they were up against it; the Wolfhounds seem likely to remain top dog for the foreseeable future, thanks to a phalanx of international stars.

All the same Neill Alcorn will have a few concerns, not least the set scrum, where Edinburgh were in charge most of the time.

The trouble was, they couldn’t exploit that advantage. Neither the pack nor the No 9 Emily Love could ensure Hannah Ramsay at out-half had enough time to clear her lines or get her backs moving regularly.

When they did receive promising possession, their running lines were often too lateral; the touchline kept rushing infield to hamper them.

Erin King, a welcome sight for all Irish fans, opened the scoring, following heavy pressure on the home line. Dannah O’Brien was her usual assured self. The pick of her tactical kicks were masterpieces.

Gemma Bell restored Edinburgh confidence with a fine try, but the game ran away from them in the second quarter. A rush of tries brought the bonus up.

At least the hosts finished well. They thumped at the line for Talei Tawake, the young prop, to cross.

Half-time: 12-33

The home crowd will be bitterly disappointed to see their side unable to add another point. They held Wolfhounds to a single try till the last quarter, when two late tries brought up the half century.

A delightful cross-kick by O’Brien gave Maggie Boylan her chance on the extreme left. Then some lovely handling brought Stacey Flood a final score on the other flank.

Result: Edinburgh 12 Wolfhounds 50
Player of the Match: Dannah O’Brien

Teams

Edinburgh: 1. TAWAKE 2. RONALD 3. POOLMAN 4. FERRIE 5. LOGAN 6. RUSSELL 7. STEWART 8. GUNDERSON 9. LOVE 10. RAMSAY 11. WALKER (captain) 12. PHILIPPS 13. BROWN 14. BELL 15. MARLOW
16. WHITEHOUSE 17. BROWN 18. SUTHERLAND 19. HOWAT 20. MOODY 21. ROSIE 22 MACRAE 23. HADDOW

Wolfhounds: 1. MOLLOY 2. DALEY 3. BARRETT 4. JORDAN 5. SMYTH 6. GARVEY 7. OG O’LEARY 8. KING 9. REILLY 10. O’BRIEN 11. BOYLAN 12. HIGGINS 13. DALTON (captain) 14. MARLEY 15. FLOOD
16. GLENAGHAN 17. MCLEAN 18. FLYNN 19. TUITE 20. CORCORAN 21. WHELAN 22. BURNS 23. MOYLES

Afterthoughts

The team colours were interesting: blue versus blue and white.

How much bigger would the crowds be if the tournament was held in July-August? Today’s was well wrapped up.

It was encouraging to see players on the field from the (far) north of Scotland.

Wolfhounds stay top with a full 15 points.

There is no doubt that the CC is doing its job, widening the selectors’ player choice and raising standards.

It remains to be seen which of the younger generation can transform themselves from promising to undroppable or even unstoppable.

Firstly, Newcastle United’s Jordan Nobbs has been named as Barclays WSL2 Player of the Month after emerging victorious in the combined public and panel vote.

The Magpies midfielder continued her fine form in December to help her team to successive victories, netting in a 1-0 victory over Southampton, and again in a 2-1 success over Portsmouth.

Bristol City’s Emily Syme, Crystal Palace’s Kirsty Howat and Nottingham Forest’s Aimee Claypole were also in contention for the monthly accolade, but Nobbs secured the trophy for the first time since her move to the club.

Birmingham City’s Veatriki Sarri meanwhile has earned the Barclays WSL2 Goal of the Month accolade for her strike against Durham.

The Blues midfielder’s effort against the North East outfit topped the voting polls, seeing off the challenge of Portsmouth’s Georgie Freeland (v Charlton Athletic), Crystal Palace’s Shanade Hopcroft (v Birmingham City), Bristol City’s Lexi Lloyd-Smith (v Sheffield United) and Emily Syme (v Crystal Palace), and Nottingham Forest’s Chantelle Boye Hlorkah (v Sunderland).

Finally, the League Managers’ Association have announced that Crystal Palace boss Jo Potter has been voted Barclays WSL2 Manager of the Month for December.

The Eagles climbed to fifth in the league standings as 2025 ended, with back-to-back league wins over Birmingham City (3-0) and Bristol City (3-2), alongside a 1-0 victory in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup over Lewes and a slender defeat to Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Subway Women’s League Cup.

With thanks to the WSL

The most significant feature of the new year is the vast increase in the number of test matches, caused mainly, but not entirely, by the innovative WXV Global Series.

2. Here is a selection of fixtures (many have yet to be finalised).

27 March: Australia v Fijiana (Canberra)

April: Canada v Wallaroos and USA v Wallaroos (their first tour of North America)

11 April: Round One of 6 Nations (series completed on 17 May)

22 August: the Wallaroos’ game against the Black Ferns will be their 100th test

September: Scotland tour Australia for the first time

5 September: a first ever tour of South Africa by the Black Ferns. (A tour last year involved a ‘Black Ferns XV’)

October: France tour New Zealand with three tests planned

3. Rugby Europe Championship

The four teams competing are Spain (the eternal champions), Netherlands, Portugal and Belgium, who replace Sweden. Here we see that rarity, promotion & relegation.

But with only four teams competing at elite level, it’s a long hard road for ambitious nations.

4. Another step forward

England Rugby has now established a separate women’s board under the umbrella of the Rugby Players Association.

Four years ago Vickii Cornborough set a precedent by becoming the first woman to occupy a senior position (vice-chair) of the then combined RPA.

Now PWR players can set their own agenda.

Many congratulations to Abi Burton on her election as Chair. This is another indication of the esteem she is held in by her fellows.

The choice of the nine representatives is fascinating in its own right.

Eight of them are test players, representing five nations.

Congratulations to Grace Deane of Leicester Tigers for her nomination. She has been a leading figure everywhere she has played, starting out at Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk. East Anglia is not the only English region to miss out badly when it comes to elite representation.

The RPA’s graphic that heads their announcement has its stark side: the absence of a tenth smiling face is made all too evident by the layout.

5. Ireland

The IRFU has now announced that Galway will host its first ever 6 Nations match, against Italy.

This comes after contrasting news that the women’s team will appear for the first time at the national Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

There we have in a nutshell the dilemma facing every national board: spread the game wide or take a chance and book the national stadium?

Ireland have decided on both, and the best of luck to them. Galway is a bustling town of some 80,000 people, but the province of Connacht is much the least populated of the four.

Ireland are the squad backed to advance strongly in the coming 6N, so we can hope for strong public support.

With Scotland scheduling a match at Murrayfield, it leaves only France and Italy yet to follow suit.

At a time of year when people are searching for new rituals, new starts and new habits, women’s football provides a welcoming community where everyone can belong.

To mark the return of league action, women’s football legend Karen Carney OBE extends an open invitation to attend a women’s match in a new film for WSL Football. As Karen gets back to football following her winning turn on Strictly Come Dancing, she says: “I really hope that you all get down to a Barclays WSL game – it might be cold outside, but you know what, it will be a warm feeling and a warm spirit at those games.”

In the 90-second film, Karen reflects on the special support she received from the women’s football community during her Strictly Come Dancing journey. She talks about what to expect when attending women’s football matches, and how it feels welcoming, remarks on loyalty from former teammates and receives a message from Emma Hayes, her former boss at Chelsea–highlighting the welcoming and supportive nature that exists within the women’s football community.

Before winning series 23 of the iconic BBC show, Karen Carney enjoyed a star-studded football career where she played for her hometown club Birmingham City, Arsenal and Chelsea. She also represented England at four World Cups and four European Championships and played for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Karen retired six and half years ago and now works as a broadcaster.

The video is available to watch HERE with a long-form version coming next week.

To support the action on the pitch, clubs up and down the country will be creating their own match day activations throughout January for back to football ranging from supporter soundbaths and wellbeing boxes, organised mental health walks, arts and crafts stations plus partnerships with Brown Girl Sport, Lonely Girls Cub and Baller FC.

To find out more about the activations and matches near you, the Barclays WSL and Barclays WSL2, visit www.wslfootball.com

With thanks to the WSL

The 21-year-old, who joins the professional staff from the SCCC Academy, made her Somerset debut in last season’s Vitality Blast.

The right-handed top-order batter, who is a product of the Devon Pathway and successfully captained Loughborough University, featured in five Blast fixtures for the Club in 2025, scoring 45 runs.

Ruby started her cricket journey at Braunton before playing for North Devon Cricket Club. She worked her way through the Devon age groups and was selected for Western Storm Academy before joining the Somerset Academy.

After signing her first professional contract, Ruby said: “I’m really excited and I’m really proud because I’ve put a lot of hard work into this. The team made me feel like I was a part of the squad straight away last year and experiencing the Blast for two weeks made me even more aware of how much I wanted this.

“I want to be a fearless player because I enjoy the game most when I’m being as brave as I can.

“This means so much to me. When I was younger, I watched players coming through and in the last year or so some of my friends have gone on to represent Somerset, so to be able to pull that shirt on alongside them and to go on to the field together is really special.”

Somerset Head Coach, Erin Osborne added: “I know that everyone was impressed by how Ruby transitioned into the First XI environment last summer. In the short time that I’ve known her, she has demonstrated a drive and desire to succeed and she will give the team an additional batting option this summer.

“As a local player, she understands what it means to represent this Club and I look forward to working with her this year.”

Somerset Director of Talent & Women’s Performance, Matt Drakeley added: “Ruby’s performances for the Academy have demonstrated that she is fully deserving of this opportunity. She seamlessly settled into the First Team setting last summer and we are excited to see how she continues to develop throughout the year.”

With thanks to Somerset CCC

The ‘Golden Turk’ Turhan (12-0, 8 KOs) last month solidified her reputation as one of the most dangerous female fighters on the planet when she captured the crown in Monte-Carlo with a fifth round demolition job over Brazil’s then unbeaten Olympic hero Beatriz Ferreira.

It completed an incredible 2025 for the 30-year-old having previously knocked out both Shauna Browne and Rima Ayadi.

Now Turhan will kickstart her 2026 campaign with the first defence of her World Title at the end of this month against Australia’s Taylah Gentzen at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on an exciting undercard headlined by Bakhram Murtazaliev’s IBF Super Welterweight World Championship clash with the North-East’s own, Josh Kelly.

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is thrilled to see Turhan put pen to paper on fresh terms as he plots her path to winning more titles and eventually becoming the undisputed ruler of the 135lb division.

“Elif is the hardest female puncher, pound-for-pound, no question – in fact, she is is one of the fiercest fighters on the planet today,” said Hearn.

“I’m thrilled to have signed Elif to a new deal with Matchroom because there are many huge nights waiting for her. I think a fight with WBC World Champion, Caroline Dubois, is one of the best bouts you can make in boxing.

“First, Elif must take care of business against Taylah Gentzen. I’m expecting another knockout performance to light up what is a great night of boxing on January 31 with a brilliant Murtazaliev-Kelly undercard in Newcastle before we switch across the pond to The Ring 6 in New York City for Teofimo-Shakur – all live and exclusive to watch on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”

Josh Padley, meanwhile, challenges Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant EBU Super Featherweight Championship in Newcastle.

Padley said: “We’re off to a flying start to the new year. I am really looking forward to this one, especially with it being a major title on the road back to world title contention. A big win here puts me in the picture for the big fights.”

Heavyweight wonderkid Leo Atang looks ahead to his fifth professional contest in Newcastle, whilst stablemate and Cruiserweight prospect Brad Casey bids to maintain his winning streak to life in the pro ranks.

Commonwealth Games silver medalist amateur standout and North-East native Kiaran MacDonald makes his long-awaited professional debut. Plus, rising hometown Super Bantamweight fan favourite Lee Rogers will be out to stretch his record to 7-0.

And don’t blink as we look forward to a pulsating North-East derby between Newcastle’s unbeaten Josh Blenkiron and Jarrow’s undefeated Robbie Colman for the Northern Area Lightweight title.

For the latest ticket news and updates on this event, head to matchroomboxing.com.

With thanks to Matchroom Boxing