23 Mar Navan players in Celtic Challenge Semi-Finals
There was double delight for Navan RFC as Rosie Searle and Alex Connor both played key roles in their respective sides’ victories in the Celtic Challenge semi-finals at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday.
Searle featured off the bench for the Clovers as they produced an impressive display to defeat Gwalia Lightning 35-20 in the opening game of the double-header. In the second fixture, Connor started at scrum-half for the Wolfhounds, helping guide her side to a commanding 36-10 win over Brython Thunder.
Connor was joined in the Wolfhounds squad by former Navan players Kate Jordan, Jade Gaffney and Abby Moyles, underlining the club’s growing contribution to the elite women’s game.
The victories mean both Irish sides will now meet in an all-Ireland Celtic Challenge final in Edinburgh next Sunday, with Navan proudly represented on both teams.
The semi-final appearances capped a remarkable period for both players, who were also recently selected as part of an Irish Women’s U21 squad for a pre-Six Nations friendly against Canada at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Abbotstown
That fixture forms part of preparations for the newly launched Women’s U21 Six Nations tournament, a revamped competition designed to better mirror the demands of senior international rugby, with home-and-away fixtures replacing the previous festival format.
Both Searle and Connor began their rugby journeys in Navan RFC’s minis section and have progressed steadily through the club’s underage ranks. Their rise to provincial and international recognition is seen within the club as a testament to years of dedication, commitment and hard work.
Their achievements continue to serve as an inspiration to younger players within the club, highlighting the strength of Navan RFC’s player pathway and reinforcing the belief that progression to the highest level within the club is attainable.
With a place in the final now secured, all eyes will be on the upcoming decider, where Navan’s rising stars will once again take to the field on one of the biggest stages in the women’s provincial game.
Match Report & Highlights; CLOVERS 35 GWALIA LIGHTNING 20 (IRFU Website):
https://www.irishrugby.ie/2026/03/21/five-try-clovers-advance-to-inaugural-celtic-challenge-final/
Match Report & Highlights; WOLFHOUNDS 36 BRYTHON THUNDER 10 (IRFU Website):
Full Detail on the Women’s U21 Six Nations Tournament on the IRFU website:
https://www.irishrugby.ie/2026/01/22/new-womens-u21-six-nations-tournament-announced/