Brython Thunder

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Brython Thunder are a Welsh women's rugby union team based in Llanelli. Founded in 2023, the team competes in the Celtic Challenge, the international competition between Scottish, Welsh and Irish regional teams.

History

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced the creation of two teams that would compete in the Celtic Challenge in December 2023, the teams were Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder. [1] They replaced the Wales Development XV team that competed in the inaugural Celtic Challenge season. [2]

Ashley Beck was appointed head coach for the 2023–24 season. [3] He remained as head coach for the 2024–25 season. [4]

The first match in the history of the team took place on 30 December 2023, against Gwalia Lightning. [5] The match was won by Gwalia Lightning. [6] The team won three of their seven matches and finished fifth in the table. They finished the 2024–25 in 4th place, behind Gwalia Lightning and the Irish teams of The Clovers (2nd) and The Wolfhounds (1st).

On 24 April 2025 WRU announced their plans to revamp their 2 teams, inviting regions and universities to bid for new teams that would replace both Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning. [7] The plan was later postponed "due to the ongoing transformation in the men's game" meaning both teams would compete again in the 2025–26 season. [8]

References

  1. ↑ "Two new teams to represent Wales in expanded Celtic Challenge". Welsh Rugby Union. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  2. ↑ "Thistles lose narrowly to Welsh Development XV in inaugural Celtic Challenge match". The Offside Line. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  3. ↑ "Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning squads named for Celtic Challenge". Welsh Rugby Union. 21 December 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  4. ↑ "Ashley Beck to coach Brython Thunder in Celtic Challenge". Scarlets Rugby. 13 November 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  5. ↑ "Thunder and Lightning squads named for Celtic Challenge opener". Welsh Rugby Union. 29 December 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  6. ↑ Coleman-Phillips, Ceri (29 December 2023). "Celtic Challenge: Gwalia Lightning 20-5 Brython Thunder". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  7. ↑ "WRU to revamp nation's top women's teams". BBC Sport. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  8. ↑ "WRU postpones revamp of leading women's teams". BBC Sport. 26 June 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
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