Arms Park to host Welsh Celtic Challenge derby

Cardiff Arms Park will host the Welsh Celtic Challenge derby between Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder on Saturday, 27 December.

The festive fixture was due to be played at Ystrad Mynach, but will now kick-off in the Welsh capital at 14:00 GMT.

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) head of women's rugby Belinda Moore said the move "underlines the WRU's commitment to see the women's game flourish in Wales".

"After the recent Women' Rugby World Cup we saw Welsh supporters turn out in force to watch the national side in England, and now they get the opportunity to do the same at home in Wales," she added.

The Celtic Challenge gets under way on 20 December, with Thunder hosting Glasgow at Parc y Scarlets and Lightning taking on Clovers in Dublin.

The squads are yet to be announced, but are likely to feature a host of Wales internationals who will be looking to get game time ahead of the 2026 Women's Six Nations as well as emerging young talent.

The cross-border tournament is now in its third season and for the first time will feature play-offs and a grand final.