With the Celtic Challenge for 2025/26 almost here, the Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors 35 player core squads have been named.
The Celtic Challenge features Edinburgh and Glasgow alongside Irish teams Wolfhounds and Clovers and Welsh sides Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder.
The regular season of 10 games will run from this coming weekend until March before title play-offs and the event is a great opportunity for players to put their best foot forward for Six Nations selection which starts in April.
Edinburgh, who finished fifth last year, face a tough opening game away to two-time defending champions Wolfhounds in Dublin while Glasgow, sixth last year, will be in Llanelli to play Brython Thunder. Clovers and Gwalia Lightning are also meeting in round one.
The Edinburgh and Glasgow matchday squads for Saturday’s games are due to be named on Friday.
Edinburgh head coach Claire Cruikshank said: “It’s great to have our final squad confirmed for the Celtic Challenge. There’s a lot of talent in the squad, with some that the fans will be familiar with, but also a few youngsters that will be looking to impress in their first involvement in the tournament.
“We’re buzzing to get going and we’re particularly excited to for the derby day double header against Glasgow on December 27 [at Hive Stadium before the men meet at Murrayfield]. We’ve always had big crowds against the Warriors, so hoping for another big support this year.”
Glasgow head coach Lindsey Smith said: “I’m excited to see the development of this playing group as we look to build upon the progress of last season.
“We’ve got a good blend of consistency with 24 players having represented the club in previous seasons along with fresh faces with everyone keen to be involved and driving each other forwards.
“I believe this is a group with a great deal of potential and I’m looking forward to seeing how this group comes together and fights for the badge on their chest when the Celtic Challenge kicks off.”
