Celtic Challenge announces 2026/27 fixtures as competition continues to grow

Fixtures for the 2026/27 Celtic Challenge season have been officially announced, marking the tournament's fifth year. The 10-round cross-border competition will begin on Saturday, December 5, 2026, and conclude on Saturday, February 27, 2027. In a new format change, the highest-seeded semi-final winner will host the final on the weekend of March 27, 2027, replacing the neutral venue format used in previous seasons.

The tournament continues to serve as a vital pathway to Test rugby for players across Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Irish teams have dominated the competition to date, with the Wolfhounds winning the last three titles following a Combined Provinces XV win in the inaugural 2023 season.