Edinburgh Rugby’s women’s side will return to the Celtic Challenge for the 24/25 season, with an expanded championship announced and set to start in December.
After a successful inaugural season, Edinburgh Rugby is delighted to confirm its involvement in the ten-round tournament, which will enable more game time and development opportunities for the six competing teams on the pathway to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
The capital city ‘History-Makers’ enjoyed an impressive first campaign in the tournament, finishing second and losing only one match. The side played with style and scored eye-catching tries, drawing average crowds of around 1,200 in their first-ever season.
The developmental credentials of the team were evidenced in the recent Guinness Six Nations, with core squad members Emma Orr, Cieron Bell, Nicole Flynn, Merryn Gunderson and vice-captain Alex Stewart all being called into the Scotland squad.
Corstorphine Cougars’ Stewart showed her potential in the Six Nations, earning her first cap before going on to start every match for her country and topping the tournament tackle charts – the 19-year-old flanker proving her readiness for the Test match arena.
Edinburgh skipper Sarah Denholm was also invited to train alongside the Scotland squad in a developmental capacity, alongside Freya Walker, Molly Poolman, and Natasha Logan.
The transitional pathway players that donned the castle also gained international honours, with Leia Brebner-Holden earning her first call-up to the senior side, while Fiona McIntosh won her first cap starting against England at a sold-out Hive Stadium.
The competition also saw growth off the pitch with increased attendances recorded and broadcast partnerships cemented with BBC Scotland, BBC Wales, and Rugby Pass TV, with all matches streamed live, driving visibility around the world and bringing new fans to the game.
Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, said: “I’m excited we can announce the second season of our women’s side. The team’s first season was a huge step forward for the club, and I can’t wait to see how they can develop in the expanded competition.
“It’s an extremely exciting time in women’s rugby – with Scotland getting a sell-out crowd at Hive Stadium, and the viewing figures of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations reaching outstanding new heights.
“It’s brilliant to be involved, and I can’t wait to see the Edinburgh fans get behind the team this season.”
The Celtic Challenge is the first women’s cross-border Club competition, organised by the IRFU, Scottish Rugby, and WRU with support from World Rugby.
The tournament provides a high-performance platform for young female players and helps bridge the gap between the domestic and international women’s games in the three Celtic nations.
Ticket details for Edinburgh Rugby home matches will be communicated through the club’s official channels ahead of the new season.
Jester
The All Blacks are one of the most successful teams in sporting history – The New Zealand All Blacks are one of the most successful teams in sporting history. Since 1903 when they played their first ever game, they have a win percentage of 78% in nearly 600 games. That stat is absolutely crazy when you think about it. They’ve also won 3 Rugby World Cups (though arguably should have won all of them apart from 1991 and 2003). They were also the first rugby team to win 500 test matches, one of many records establishing the All Blacks the world’s best team. Can you imagine winning 78% of all your games you play!?
Dr. Cocktail
160 international Rugby caps and still going – Alun Wyn Jones of Wales is a behemoth in the sport. He has over 160 international caps to his name and he’s still going. He’s played at 4 world cups (2007-2019) which is a record, has played in 4 Lions Tours (2009-2021), which is also a record, and has clocked up over 225 appearances for the Ospreys too. Someone needs to check in his loft for a portrait of himself, because this guy just keeps going and going.