Brython Thunder have selected the side to face Wolfhounds in the Celtic Challenge semi-finals play-offs at Dexcom Stadium, Galway on Saturday, March 21st (KO: 3pm). The Celtic Challenge semi-finals are a unique double-header between in the new expanded cross-border league between sides from Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Thunder finished fourth in the table after the […]
Brython Thunder have selected the side to face Wolfhounds in the Celtic Challenge semi-finals play-offs at Dexcom Stadium, Galway on Saturday, March 21st (KO: 3pm).
The Celtic Challenge semi-finals are a unique double-header between in the new expanded cross-border league between sides from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Thunder finished fourth in the table after the regular season and play the league leaders and reigning champions Wolfhounds at the home of Connacht rugby.
The Welsh side recorded four wins on the bounce to qualify for the semi-finals and won the Welsh derby 7-0 against arch-rivals Gwalia Lightning in Round 10.
Wales lock Gwen Crabb will captain a Thunder side with seven Welsh internationals named in the starting line-up.
Wales international Alisha Joyce will make her first return to rugby from the bench after the birth of her son Ralphie in November 2025.
Flanker Joyce is set for her first game of rugby 123 days after giving birth to her son.
Her partner and fellow Welsh international Jasmine Joyce will make her Brython Thunder debut on the wing in the semi-final clash against Wolfhounds.
Skipper Crabb makes up an all Wales second row with Natalia John in the Thunder engine room.
Prop Stella Orrin, Shanelle Williams and Elan Jones pack down in the front row, while Wales international Branwen Metcalfe is joined by the impressive Jorja Aiono and Lucy Isaac in the backrow.
GB Olympian Joyce is joined by fellow Welsh international Lisa Neumann and Seren Singleton in an exciting back three for Thunder.
Welsh international Courtney Keight is partnered by Savannah Picton-Powell in midfield in an exciting centre partnership.
Wales scrum half Seren Lockwood and fly half Hanna Marshall continue at half-back for Thunders against Wolfhounds.
The Celtic Challenge final will be played at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh on Saturday, March 28th (KO: 3pm).
Ashley Beck, Brython Thunder Head coach, said: “We have built real momentum and confidence in the second block of the Celtic Challenge and are looking forward to the challenge of playing the reigning champions.
“Wolfhounds will be favourites and are the back-to-back Celtic Challenge champions and have led the league all season, but we have beaten them and that should give us confidence.
“This is semi-final rugby and a one-off and we deserve to be in this position, and the players have worked hard to qualify, and we are determined to enjoy the occasion.
“Having an experienced player like Jaz making her debut is an exciting prospect and Alisha making her return to rugby after the birth of Ralphie is just an inspirational story for all of us.”
Brython Thunder team (v Wolfhounds)
15 Lisa Neumann, 14 Jasmine Joyce, 13 Courtney Keight, 12 Savannah Picton-Powell, 11 Seren Singleton, 10 Hanna Marshall, 9 Seren Lockwood; 1 Stella Orrin, 2 Shanelle Williams, 3 Elan Jones, 4 Gwen Crabb (Capt.), 5 Natalia John, 6 Branwen Metcalfe, 7 Lucy Isaac, 8 Jorja Aiono
Replacements: 16 Rhian Bowden, 17 Lowri Williams, 18 Megan Lewis, 19 Robyn Davies, 20 Alisha Joyce, 21 Mollie Wilkinson, 22 Hannah Bluck, 23 Mabli Evans