Photo via BBC Sport

Celtic Challenge introduces home final incentive

The 2026-27 Celtic Challenge will introduce a new twist to its final format, with the highest-ranked team in the competition hosting the championship decider instead of a neutral venue. The cross-border tournament, featuring six clubs split evenly between Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, kicks off on December 5 with a home-and-away group stage.

Five rounds of fixtures will determine the two semi-finalists, who will then face off in March, with the higher-seeded finalist earning the privilege of playing at home in the final scheduled for late March.

Last season’s champions, the Wolfhounds, secured their third consecutive title by defeating Irish rivals the Clovers in a final held at Edinburgh’s Hive Stadium. This year’s defending champions begin their campaign at home against Welsh side Brython Thunder, while the other Scottish team, Edinburgh, travels to Ireland to face Clovers.

Meanwhile, Gwalia Lightning will host Glasgow in the opening round.

Up nextRugby· 35m ago

All Blacks power past Australia to retain Bledisloe Cup