Regent Advisory Appointed Central Services Provider for the Celtic Challenge
Regent Advisory has been appointed as the central services provider for the Celtic Challenge, the ultimate women’s cross-border rugby competition, operated by the Welsh Rugby Union, Irish Rugby Football Union and Scottish Rugby.
The appointment by the Celtic Challenge Management Group represents a new arrangement for the competition, and adds one of women's rugby's principal cross-border leagues to Regent Advisory's growing portfolio of sport sector partnerships. The firm will deliver a set of central services functions across competition management, marketing and communications, broadcast coordination and strategic planning, working under the direction of the CCMG throughout the 2026/27 season.
Across competition management, Regent Advisory will be responsible for the league’s regulations, minimum operating standards, fixture administration, and general day-to-day operational support. In marketing and communications, the firm will manage the Celtic Challenge's website and social channels in collaboration with competing clubs and the three home unions. On broadcast and production, Regent Advisory will be responsible for coordinating and aligning all appointed partners, ensuring the league's requirements are delivered cohesively across the season. The firm will also provide strategic planning support to the CCMG for both the immediate season and the longer-term development of the competition.
Regent Advisory CEO, Josh Payne said: “The Celtic Challenge is a competition that is continually evolving, and having worked personally on the league since its first season in 2023, I have seen that first-hand. Bringing Regent Advisory in to take that forward is a transition I am proud of. I know the competition, the people and the ambition behind it. This appointment is a natural next step, and it means we hit the ground running. Our job is to make sure the league has the highest quality services behind it, so the teams and unions can focus on delivering on the pitch. We are looking forward to getting to work.”
A CCMG Spokesperson said: “Appointing a dedicated central services provider is an important step for the Celtic Challenge. We wanted a partner who understands complex, multi-stakeholder environments and who will bring the same level of professionalism to the running of the competition that the players and clubs bring to the pitch. We are confident Regent Advisory will do exactly that.”
The 2026/27 Celtic Challenge season will begin in December 2026.
Regent Advisory is currently recruiting for roles to support the Celtic Challenge. View current vacancies here.
