This season marks another major step forward for women’s rugby across Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as the cross-border competition continues to showcase the next generation of talent.

Both Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors will start their campaigns away from home on Saturday 20 December, with Glasgow facing Brython Thunder at Parc Y Scarlets, whilst Edinburgh travel to Ireland to face the Wolfhounds at Energia Park.

They will then look to build momentum early in the competition with the traditional festive derby on 27 December 2025 at Hive Stadium and the season finale rematch on 7 March 2026 at Scotstoun Stadium.

At the conclusion of the 10-round regular season, the top four teams will progress to the play-offs. The two highest-ranked sides will host the semi-finals, with 1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd battling for a place in the inaugural Celtic Challenge Final, where they will compete for the honour of becoming the Celtic Challenge Champions.

Building on the success of last season, every Celtic Challenge match will be broadcast live. This will give fans the chance to follow the competition whether in the stands or from home. Broadcast partners will be announced in the build-up to the competition, ensuring comprehensive coverage for fans across all three nations and beyond.

Gemma Fay, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Women & Girls Strategy said: “The Celtic Challenge continues to play a crucial role in developing the depth and quality of talent in Scotland. This is underpinned by the continued growth of the women’s programmes at Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors, where both sides have created strong identities whilst providing opportunities for players to thrive.

Coming off the back of a record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup, this season represents another exciting milestone in the growth of women’s rugby in Scotland and across the Celtic nations.”

Fixtures

Saturday 20 December 2025: Brython Thunder v Glasgow Warriors, Parc Y Scarlets, kick-off 2pm
Saturday 20 December 2025: Wolfhounds v Edinburgh Rugby, Energia Park, kick-off 2.30pm

Saturday 27 December 2025: Edinburgh Rugby v Glasgow Warriors, Hive Stadium, kick-off 12pm

Saturday 3 January 2026: Glasgow Warriors v Gwalia Lightning, Scotstoun Stadium, kick-off 12.30pm
Saturday 3 January 2026: Edinburgh Rugby v Wolfhounds, Hive Stadium, kick-off 3pm

Saturday 17 January 2026: Gwalia Lightning v Edinburgh Rugby, Ystrad Mynach, kick-off 1pm

Saturday 24 January 2026: Edinburgh Rugby v Gwalia Lightning, Hive Stadium, kick-off 1pm

Saturday 31 January 2026: Glasgow Warriors v Clovers, Scotstoun Stadium, kick-off 2pm
Saturday 31 January 2026: Edinburgh Rugby v Brython Thunder, Hive Stadium, kick-off 3pm

Saturday 7 February 2026: Brython Thunder v Edinburgh Rugby, Parc Y Scarlets, kick-off 12.30pm
Sunday 7 February 2026: Glasgow Warriors v Wolfhounds, Scotstoun Stadium, kick-off 2pm

Saturday 14 February 2026: Gwalia Lightning v Glasgow Warriors, Ystrad Mynach, kick-off 2pm

Saturday 21 February 2026: Glasgow Warriors v Brython Thunder, Scotstoun Stadium, kick-off 1pm
Saturday 21 February 2026: Edinburgh Rugby v Clovers, Hive Stadium, kick-off 1pm

Friday 6 March 2026: Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh Rugby, Scotstoun Stadium, kick-off 7.30pm