The Wheelchair Celtic Cup is to be held in South Wales for the first time, when Wales, Scotland and Ireland clash at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Archers Arena on Saturday 24 May.
In the Celtic Cup, each nation plays each other once during the course of a day, meaning fans are able to enjoy three complete 80-minute matches over six hours, with the winner being crowned at the end.
The gruelling annual competition, that started in 2015, was won by Ireland last year, following seven successive titles for Wales.
Wales head coach Alan Caron said: “The Celtic Cup is a permanent fixture on the rugby league calendar and we’re delighted to be hosting it in 2025. With three matches in one day, it’s great entertainment for sports fans and it’s a big day for us. The hard work starts here. We lost our grip on the trophy last year and we’re determined to get it back. Hopefully, a home support will cheer us onto victory.”
Stephen Jones, head of Wheelchair RL in Wales adds: “We’re delighted that the Celtic Cup is coming back to Wales and we’re definitely pleased that it will be held in Cardiff for the first time. When we faced Australia in the capital before the last World Cup, we had a good crowd in attendance and I’m sure the rugby league fans in the area will come out again to cheer us on.”
James Davies, chairman of Wales Rugby League said: “At Wales Rugby League, we’re proud to be hosting this year’s Celtic Cup. It’s great to have international rugby league back in South Wales again for everyone to enjoy. Good luck to all sides as we push towards next year’s World Cup in Australia.”
Ireland won the trophy for the second time last year when it was played on their home turf and their head coach, Phil Roberts, expects it to be a tough ask to retain it despite more domestic competition being played in the nation.
“The Celtic Cup is growing,” he said. “All three nations are making strides in their domestic game which will raise the standard of the matches once again this year. Our development programme is paying dividends in terms of emerging talent and more experience for existing squad members, providing healthy competition in the team. We are looking forward to some tough matches and another great day of international wheelchair rugby league.”
Scotland remain the only member of the trio who are yet to record a championship win, however they will be buoyed by last year’s second place finish – their best since 2019 – and are boosted by Edinburgh Giants entering Betfred Wheelchair Super League, which will give their representative players regular exposure to some of the highest standard opponents in the world.
Martyn Gill, in charge of the Giants and now Scotland’s head coach, commented: “We are working hard in all areas to shape what we want Scotland Wheelchair Rugby League to look like, and we know we have to raise our playing standards. We’re constantly looking to improve and I’m keen to see how this translates into our performances at the 2025 tournament.”
CELTIC CUP FIXTURES
1100: Wales v Scotland
1300: Scotland v Ireland
1500: Wales v Ireland
Further details for spectators will be provided in due course.