Wales out to regain Wheelchair Celtic Cup on home soil

Ireland will be looking to retain the annual Wheelchair Celtic Cup, started in 2015, which will take place in South Wales for the first time at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Archers Arena on Saturday 24 May.

The holders won the trophy for the second time last year when it was played on their home turf and Ireland Wheelchair 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,” Roberts 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.”

Wales lost out last time having won seven successive Celtic Cups and they are looking to redress the balance on home territory while also building for the 2026 World Cup. Their head coach Alan Caron noted: “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, the home support will cheer us on to victory.”

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 and regarding streaming will be provided in due course.