Ireland, Scotland and Wales men will face each other in senior internationals for world ranking points this autumn, in the inaugural Men’s Celtic Cup.
A similar, long-established tri-nations format exists in the Wheelchair game, but 2026 will see a relaunched men’s edition take place over three consecutive weekends. The only other senior men’s tournament using this format took place in 1999 and was won by Ireland.
This year’s competition will begin in Scotland on Saturday 17 October, when the Bravehearts face Ireland at Hawick, with an ‘A’ team fixture between the nations scheduled as a curtain-raiser.
Scotland RL operations director, Barry McGuffog, commented: “We look forward to taking on both Ireland and Wales, and renewing the Celtic rivalry. I’m sure that all three nations will have one eye on the 2030 World Cup and will be hoping to qualify for that, so these fixtures will provide the respective coaches the chance to bring in some new faces and try out some new combinations.
“We have an ‘A’ team fixture ahead of Ireland game so I’m sure those players will be keen to show what they can do and stake a claim for a place in the squad against Wales the following week.”
The Scots host the Welsh in round two, this time at Biggar, a week later.
“We are excited by the opportunity to play our Celtic brothers,” said Wales RL chairman, James Davies. “Last season we reset ourselves under the leadership of head coach Paul Berry to ensure we are World Cup ready for 2030, and in doing so we blooded a number of new faces who we firmly believe will take us to the stage.
“A consistent international calendar is vital as we continue building our sport, and for us the ambition is clear: a Super League club in Wales supporting our current pathways into the international arena. We know there is enough talent across the country to truly awaken the Northern Hemisphere and elevate the game here to where it belongs.”
The final round, on Saturday 31 October, will see Wales welcome Ireland to The Wern, Merthyr Tydfil.
Ireland RL chairman, Jim Reynolds, noted: “We are delighted to have a Celtic Cup competition for our men this season. I am confident it will be a fantastic player development vehicle for each of us. We look forward to a highly competitive and entertaining series of games, that I hope will establish the Celtic Cup as an annual competition.”
Men’s Celtic Cup Fixtures
Round 1 – Saturday 17 October – Scotland v Ireland, Hawick RFC (kick off 3pm)
Round 2 – Saturday 24 October – Scotland v Wales, Biggar RFC (1pm)
Round 3 – Saturday 31 October – Wales v Ireland, The Wern, Merthyr Tydfil (3pm)
