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What to watch in women’s rugby: Celtic Challenge kicks off, Quins host Big Game
The end of the year is always a busy time for rugby and the next couple of weeks are no exception.
Over the next two weekends, the third season of the Celtic Challenge will get underway with local derbies adding an extra edge to the opening rounds in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
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Edinburgh Rugby face Glasgow Warriors this Friday before Brython Thunder host Gwalia Lightning eight days later, and both matches are live on RugbyPass TV.
In England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby, meanwhile, Harlequins will hope to continue their fine form and set an attendance record as they take on Leicester Tigers at Allianz Stadium.
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You can watch all of that, and much more, live and for free via RugbyPass TV.
Celtic Challenge returns
The Celtic Challenge returns for its third season with two rounds of derby matches over the festive period.
Last season’s runners-up Edinburgh Rugby will get the tournament underway when they play Scottish rivals Glasgow Warriors at Hive Stadium on Friday.
Edinburgh won the corresponding fixture 28-12 last December as Briar McNamara helped herself to two of the hosts’ four tries in front of 1,934 fans.
The home fans will hope for a repeat 12 months on, but Glasgow and their new head coach Lindsey Smith are determined to record their first ever Celtic Challenge victory.
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Meanwhile, Gwalia Lightning host Brython Thunder at Ystrad Mynach in round one before the Welsh sides renew their rivalry at Parc y Scarlets seven days later.
Lightning won the first encounter between the teams on New Year’s Day, 20-5, but Thunder exacted revenge with a 30-5 victory at Parc y Scarlets in round eight.
That win wasn’t enough for the Thunder to overhaul their countrywomen in the final standings but gives them bragging rights heading into the new campaign.
You can watch Edinburgh’s opening round encounter with Glasgow at Hive Stadium and the second Welsh derby from Llanelli live and for free via RugbyPass TV.
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Friday, December 20
19:35 GMT – Edinburgh Rugby v Glasgow Warriors, Hive Stadium – WATCH LIVE HERE
Saturday, December 28
14:30 GMT – Brython Thunder v Gwalia Lightning, Parc y Scarlets – WATCH LIVE HERE
Can Quins tame Tigers?
Harlequins have been the surprise package in this season’s Premiership Women’s Rugby, gatecrashing a top four that had looked settled over the past two years.
The 2021 champions have reeled off seven successive victories to sit second in the table ahead of round 11.
It is perhaps fitting, therefore, that Harlequins’ latest assignment, against Leicester Tigers, will take place across the road from their usual Twickenham Stoop home, at Allianz Stadium.
Staged as part of Big Game 16, a double header with the club’s men’s teams, Harlequins are hoping to set a world attendance record for a domestic women’s match.
They will also be confident of celebrating that landmark with another victory, having completed a home-and-away double over Tigers last season, and heading into round 11 on the back of a big win against Loughborough Lightning.
Ellie Kildunne, Jade Konkel-Roberts and Alex Callender are among the internationals who have excelled for Harlequins this term and they will want to translate that form to the biggest of stages.
And although, Leicester head into round 11 with only one win from eight matches, Tigers boast a squad crammed full of Test talent, including 2023/24 PWR player of the season Meg Jones.
Find out whether the England star can help inspire an upset live and for free via RugbyPass TV, except in the UK, Ireland, USA and Canada.
Saturday, December 28
15:00 GMT – Harlequins v Leicester Tigers, Allianz Stadium – WATCH LIVE HERE
Catch up with Stronger Than You Think
The fourth series of Stronger Than You Think has wrapped up, but you can access all of the episodes via RugbyPass TV.
Jodie Ounsley and Ashleigh Wilmot welcome help to celebrate a variety of athletes who have overcome adversity to reach the top in their careers.
In the recently concluded fourth series, Ounsley and Wilmot chatted to mixed martial artist Leah McCourt, Scotland and Harlequins star Jade Konkel-Roberts, trailblazing former Ireland centre Sene Naoupu, marathon runner Anya Culling, Matchroom executive Emily Frazer and professional golfer Annabell Fuller.
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