Thunder and Lightning Aim to Extend Welsh Rugby Success in Celtic Challenge
Captains Gwen Crabb of Brython Thunder and Bryonie King of Gwalia Lightning look forward to the upcoming play-offs as their teams prepare to compete in the Celtic Challenge on Saturday.
Both Welsh teams secured third and fourth positions respectively after 10 rounds of the tournament and will face Irish opponents in Galway. Gwalia Lightning, finishing third, will play second-placed Clovers at 12:00 GMT, while Brython Thunder, in fourth place, will take on the leaders Wolfhounds at 15:00 GMT. These matches will be held as a double header at Dexcom Stadium.
The winners will advance to the final scheduled for Sunday, 29 March at 15:00 BST, hosted at Edinburgh's Hive Stadium.
Recent Results: Thunder Edge Lightning in Welsh Derby; Wolfhounds Dominate Clovers
Lightning Start Strong but Fade; Thunder Rally Late
The form of the two Welsh sides entering the play-offs contrasts sharply. Gwalia Lightning began the tournament with a narrow loss to Clovers but then achieved four consecutive wins, positioning themselves as contenders for a home semi-final at the midpoint of the competition.
However, Lightning experienced a significant downturn, losing their final five matches, including the last round Welsh derby against Thunder. Despite this, they accumulated enough bonus points to maintain a two-point lead over Thunder, securing a favorable semi-final matchup.
Conversely, Brython Thunder struggled early, suffering five consecutive defeats while competing against the Scottish sides at the lower end of the table. Their fortunes changed following their initial victory over Edinburgh, after which they recorded five straight wins.
Among these was a notable 14-0 victory against the reigning champions Wolfhounds in Llanelli. Thunder will aim to replicate this performance in their upcoming match against the Wolfhounds.
Welsh Rugby Updates
- Wales faces a double injury setback ahead of the Six Nations.
- New players have been added to Wales' Six Nations training squad.
- Brython Thunder back-rower Jorja Aiono is included among 45 players in Wales' extended Six Nations squad.
International Experience and Emerging Talent Highlighted
The Celtic Challenge continues to serve as a valuable platform for Welsh players seeking more game time beyond Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) clubs.
Gwalia Lightning has retained many of its Welsh internationals, including Bryonie King, Molly Reardon, and Alaw Pyrs, and strengthened the squad with seasoned Wales players Bethan Lewis and Abbie Fleming.
Meanwhile, Gwen Crabb transferred from Gloucester-Hartpury to make Brython Thunder her permanent club. She is joined by Wales captain Kate Williams, Lisa Neumann, Courtney Keight, and Sisilia Tuipulotu this season.
Both teams have also introduced promising new talent under the guidance of Wales head coach Sean Lynn. Players such as props Stella Orrin and Elan Jones, back-rowers Jorja Aiono and Anwen Owen, centres Kelsie Webster, Savannah Picton-Powell, Jenna De Vera, wing Seren Singleton, and full-back Nikita Prothero have all been named in the extended Six Nations training squad.
Perspectives from Team Leadership
Lightning head coach Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin said: "We have to look at those five losses and take a lot of confidence from the fact that in three out of five, we came to within seven points and we put ourselves in positions to win those games. We've spoken about getting back to our offloading ways and how we enjoy playing the game and that exciting brand of Gwalia Lightning rugby. We've looked at Clovers and our opportunities from the past two games and where we think we can get real benefit from. We have to take great confidence going there in terms of how close the last two games were and how we performed, we just want to go that one step further and seal a win."
Thunder head coach Ashley Beck stated: "It's been a rollercoaster. We've had an array of players who have had to buy into one way of playing and it's taken a bit of time. You've got to believe what you're doing, and they believe at the moment, which is that hardest thing to get in sport. If we can go into this weekend still believing in ourselves we will be a tough challenge and hopefully we can get under Wolfhounds' skin. Yes they'll be confident, but after 40 minutes if you're in the fight, there will be a little bit of doubt, we are the only game they've lost. If we can get to that point, the last 40 will be pretty exciting, especially with some of the tries we've scored ourselves."
Broadcast Information
All Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder matches will be available to watch live on BBC and the website and app.
