Wolfhounds (rugby union)
| Union | IRFU |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 |
| Ground(s) | Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin Ravenhill, Belfast |
| Coach | Neill Alcorn |
| League | Celtic Challenge |
| 2024–25 | 1st (Champions) (2nd title) |
| First match | |
| Wolfhounds 21–15 Clovers (Musgrave Park, Cork) 29 December 2023 | |
| Largest win | |
| Wolfhounds 102-0 v Edinburgh. Dublin 8 March 2025 | |
| Largest defeat | |
| Wolfhounds 10-31 v Clovers. Dublin 28 December 2024 | |
The Wolfhounds are an Irish women's regional rugby union team representing the provinces of Leinster and Ulster. Founded in 2023, the team competes in the Celtic Challenge, the international competition between Scottish, Welsh and Irish regional teams. They are funded by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).
History
The IRFU announced the creation of the Wolfhounds and Clovers women's teams in December 2023.[1] They replaced a Combined Provinces team, which competed in and won the inaugural Celtic Challenge season in 2023. With only two places available for Irish teams in the competition, the IRFU opted to merge its provinces: the Wolfhounds represent the provinces of Leinster and Ulster. Their shirt features the colours of both provinces, Leinster's blue and Ulster's white. The IRFU stated that the two teams may select players from the other two provinces to balance the teams and cover all positions.[2]
The Wolfounds' first match took place on 29 December at Musgrave Park in Cork, the Wolfhounds won 21–15.[3] Undefeated, the team were crowned champions at the end of the 2023-24 Celtic Challenge season.[4] Fourteen players were called up for the 2024 Six Nations.[5]
The Wolfhounds won the Celtic challenge for a second time in the 2023-24 season, losing only one game.[6]
Overall record
Complete as of end of regular season 2025-26, 9 March 2026
By opponent
| Opponent | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % | F | A | Tries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clovers | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 83.33% | 178 | 106 | 28 |
| Gwalia Lightning | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 221 | 73 | 33 |
| Glasgow Warriors Women | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 246 | 92 | 34 |
| Brython Thunder | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 85.71% | 251 | 39 | 38 |
| Edinburgh Rugby Women | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 91.67% | 260 | 84 | 44 |
| Overall | 28 | 25 | 1 | 2 | 91.07% | 1177 | 392 | 177 |
By season
| Season | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | F | A | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Celtic Challenge | did not take part | |||||||
| 2023-2024 Celtic Challenge | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 238 | 130 | 32 | Winners |
| 2024-2025 Celtic Challenge | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 462 | 125 | 44 | Winners |
| 2025-2026 Celtic Challenge | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 431 | 127 | 45 | tbc |
| Overall | 27 | 24 | 1 | 2 | 1141 | 382 | 121 | - |
Honours
References
- ^ "IRFU confirms team names for second Celtic Challenge". RTÉ. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ Halligan, Fiona (5 December 2023). "Team names and fixtures for Celtic Challenge tournament announced". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ "Clovers v Wolfhounds – Rugby". Finalwhistle.ie. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ "Celtic Challenge Champions Crowned in Belfast - Celtic Challenge". Celtic Challenge. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ "Ireland Squad Announced For Guinness Women's Six Nations". Irish Rugby. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ "Wolfhounds retain Celtic Challenge title in style". Ulster Rugby. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 16 April 2025.