Wales Centre Kerin Lake Joins Gwalia Lightning for Celtic Challenge

Kerin Lake, the Wales centre who earned her 50th international cap against Spain at Cardiff Arms Park during the summer, has signed with Gwalia Lightning for the expanded Celtic Challenge season. Lake, 34, departed from Gloucester-Hartpury, the reigning English champions, at the conclusion of the previous season. The Neath-born former Ospreys Women’s back expressed her hope that this move will provide her with increased playing time in preparation for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. “It’s World Cup year and every player knows they have to play week-in, week-out, and having the chance to do that ahead of what promises to be the biggest year in the women’s game was another factor in my decision,” said Lake. “The chance to return home to Wales and to be close to my family was too good to turn down. “Having spent most of my recent career playing in England, the opportunity to play back in Wales with a new team in a new competition is an exciting one.” The Celtic Challenge, which was launched in 2022, is set to expand for the 2024-25 season, featuring six teams competing on a home and away basis over 10 rounds, commencing in December. Wales will be represented by Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning. Ireland’s participants include Irish Wolfhounds and Clovers, while Scotland will field Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors. The tournament is scheduled to conclude in March, prior to the Women’s Six Nations, with the winner determined by the final league standings. “Like everyone I was an interested observer and watcher of Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning in their first season in the Celtic Challenge,” added Lake. “The Celtic Challenge is a new tournament but has been a real launchpad for younger players to strive for Test honours with Wales. If I can help them and support them, it will only help Gwalia and ultimately the national side.” Gwalia Lightning head coach Catrina Nicholas MacLaughlin stated: “To have someone of Kerin’s experience will be vital for what is a young and exciting Gwalia Lightning squad.” She continued: “The impact and experience that Welsh internationals Bryonie King and Kate Williams brought to the younger players was a big part of our success last season.” Nicholas MacLaughlin further explained: “Their leadership and ability to lead by example, on and off the field, allowed the likes of Catherine Richards, Gwennan Hopkins, Sian Jones and Molly Reardon to show what they could do and ultimately led to those players getting international recognition with Wales.” She concluded: “If Kerin, with all her Test match experience with Wales, does the same then we will make significant strides this season. Her example could entice more international players to return home and we she will not be the last to play for Gwalia or in the Celtic Challenge.”