The Celtic Challenge returns for its second year with twice as many teams and a selection of matches live on the BBC Sport website, app and iPlayer.
Each of Scotland, Ireland and Wales will be represented by two teams, with sides representing pro clubs Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors. And the action starts on the BBC on Saturday, when those two sides meet in Edinburgh (12:00 GMT).
What is it?
The women’s cross-border annual competition is designed to develop players from Scotland, Ireland and Wales and in an extended format it involves six teams, with two from each participating nation.
The competition will offer a high performance platform before the Women’s Six Nations and aims to bridge the gap between the domestic and international women’s games in the three Celtic nations.
And there is proof of concept. This time last season, Francesca McGhie was awaiting her first Scotland cap. Five tries at the Celtic Challenge led to her being catapulted into the Six Nations squad, where she made her debut against England.
She has started every game since and was nominated as one of World Rugby women’s breakthrough players of the year.
Who might follow in her footsteps this time?
Who’s involved?
Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh will field teams aligned to their clubs. Ireland will have the Wolfhounds and Clovers, while Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning represent Wales.
What’s the format?
The competition takes place over an 11-week period, with five rounds followed by three double-header play-off stages based on rankings. Each of those will be hosted by one of the nations.
Round one will kick-off with derbies for all. Edinburgh will host Glasgow Warriors at the Hive Stadium immediately prior to the second 1872 Cup meeting of the men’s teams at Murrayfield.
How can I watch it?
BBC Sport Scotland will be showing all Glasgow and Edinburgh home matches live on the BBC Sport website, app and BBC iPlayer.
