Parc y Scarlets will again host women’s side Brython Thunder for this season’s Celtic Challenge tournament.
The Thunder played out of the Parc last season and will play five home matches in Llanelli during the expanded 2024-25 campaign.
Wales has a double header of Welsh derbies over the first two weekends with Thunder hosting Gwalia Lightning at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, December 28 (2.30pm ko). The round one clash will take place a week earlier at Ystrad Mynach.
Scarlets Managing Director Jon Daniels said: “We are looking forward to hosting Brython Thunder again at Parc y Scarlets for this new expanded Celtic Challenge campaign.
“We are proud of the playing and training facilities we have developed for our Scarlets teams and delighted that the Thunder will have full access to everything we have here.
“We enjoyed having Ash and his squad training and playing at the Parc last season. It was also great to see so many supporters, especially the younger generation come along and support the girls.
“Being able to play our part in the women’s professional pathway in Wales is important for us here at the Scarlets and we are excited to see the next generation of players in action and also for our young fans here in West Wales to be able to see their role models up close once again.”
Ashley Beck, head coach of Brython Thunder, said: “To kick off with a Welsh derby could not be better for the players and coaches of both sides. We all know each other, and these are the games that you always look for when the fixtures are announced.
“Gwalia caught us cold in the first fixture last season, but we were deserved winners in the return game at Parc y Scarlets in the final game of the campaign.”
The Thunder squad will be announced in December and will include a host of experienced Welsh internationals and the best young Welsh talent emerging through the WRU’s new Players Development Centres.
The cross-border tournament is in its third season, with WRU-owned franchises Lightning and Thunder representing Wales against Scottish clubs Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors, and Irish teams Clover and Wolfhounds.
The tournament is designed to bridge the gap between the club game and the Test match arena in the women’s game.
Brython Thunder home fixtures at Parc y Scarlets
Dec 28, 2024: Rd 2 v Gwalia Lightning (14:30)
Jan 11, 2025: Rd 4 v Wolfhounds (12:00)
Feb 8, 2025: Rd 7 v Edinburgh (12:30)
Feb 22, 2025: Rd 8 v Clovers (11:30)
March 9, 2025: Rd 18 v Glasgow Warriors (12:00)