NRFC’s Rosie Searle Named for Celtic Challenge Opener

Navan RFC Women’s team forward Rosie Searle marked another major milestone in her rapidly developing rugby career after being named in the starting XV for the Ireland “Clovers” team in the opening round of the Celtic Challenge.

Selected by Clovers Head Coach Denis Fogarty at openside flanker, Searle played her part as the Clovers edged out Gwalia Lightning in a thrilling 35–31 victory at Energia Park, Donnybrook on Saturday (20th December).

The selection caps a superb end to 2025 for the Navan RFC player. Earlier this year, Searle represented Ireland Women’s Under-20s during the summer, before making her senior Leinster debut in the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship in August.

Adding to an already impressive run of form, Searle was also part of the Navan RFC Women’s 1st XV side that recorded a comprehensive 76–7 home victory over New Ross last week at Balreask Old — a result that leaves Navan sitting top of Leinster Women’s League Division One heading into 2026.

Navan connections were also present elsewhere in the Celtic Challenge opening weekend, with Ireland’s other team in the competition, the “Wolfhounds”, beginning their title defence in style, securing a commanding 34–7 win over Edinburgh Rugby at Energia Park.

Former Navan RFC youth players Kate Jordan and Jade Gaffney were included in the Wolfhounds matchday squad, with Jordan starting in the second row and Gaffney introduced from the bench at scrum-half.

Rosie Searle’s continued progression at provincial and national development level is a further testament to the strength of Navan RFC’s women’s pathway, and everyone at the club wishes her continued success as the Celtic Challenge campaign unfolds.

Match Report- CLOVERS 35 GWALIA LIGHTNING 31:
https://www.irishrugby.ie/2025/12/20/prop-mcgrath-impresses-as-clovers-overcome-tricky-gwalia-test/

Clovers & Wolfhounds Team News – Celtic Challenge Round One:
https://www.irishrugby.ie/2025/12/19/teams-revealed-for-celtic-challenge-first-round-double-header/

Extended Squad Announcement (12th December):
https://www.irishrugby.ie/2025/12/12/clovers-wolfhounds-squads-and-coaching-teams-announced-for-celtic-challenge/