Celtic Challenge introduces home final incentive

The final of the 2026-27 Celtic Challenge will be played at the ground of the highest-ranked team rather than a neutral venue.

The cross-border competition, which features two clubs from each of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, gets under way on Saturday, 5 December.

Teams play five home and away fixtures in the regular season and there is an added incentive for placings, with the higher seed of the two semi-final winners hosting the final.

Last season Wolfhounds beat Irish rivals Clovers in a final played at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.

The champions, who won the title for the third successive season, get the 2026-27 campaign under way at home to Welsh side Brython Thunder in Belfast.

Edinburgh also travel to Ireland to face Clovers while the other Welsh team, Gwalia Lightning, entertain Glasgow.

Competition weekends

Round one: 5 December

Round two: 12 December

Round three: 19 December

Round four: 9 January

Round five: 16 January

Round six: 23 January

Round seven: 6 February

Round eight: 13 February

Round nine: 20 February

Round 10: 27 February

Semi-finals: 13 March

Final: Weekend of 27 March