New season structure unveiled for Celtic Challenge

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 01: Warriors' Emily Coubrough claims the lineout during a Celtic Challenge match between Glasgow Warriors and Brython Thunder at Scotstoun Stadium, on March 01, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Introducing knock-out rugby for the first time, the league will kick off on 20 December 2025, with the traditional 10-round regular season followed by high-stakes Semi-Finals and the inaugural Celtic Challenge Final.

Following three seasons of impressive growth, rising stars, and record-breaking performances, the Celtic Challenge has established itself as a pivotal competition in the women’s rugby calendar. With planning already underway for further growth over the coming years, the League has high ambitions. 

The 2024/25 season proved once again that the Celtic Challenge is a true talent incubator, with 44 players selected across Women’s Rugby World Cup squads, 73 players making the leap to the Guinness Women’s Six Nations last season, and 64 players named in the U20’s Six Nations Women’s Summer Series back in July.

Gemma Fay, Scottish Rugby Head of Women & Girls Strategy said: “The continued evolution of the Celtic Challenge shows the vital contribution this competition plays connecting our club game to the international stage.

“We have already seen the impact that both Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors have had on the Scotland team and this will only grow as the Celtic Challenge does.”

Full details for the 2025/26 season, including team announcements, fixtures, and broadcast coverage, will follow the conclusion of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in October.