The Betfred Challenge Cup, the world's oldest Rugby League competition kicked off this weekend, with each of the Celtic nations represented in the first round. Bridgend Blue Bulls (Wales), Edinburgh Eagles (Scotland) and Galway Tribesmen (Ireland), as winners of their respective national championship, joined leading community clubs from England, the three British Armed Services police and Great Britain Police Rugby League.

Bridgend were the first of the Celtic sides in action on Friday night, suffering at the hands of the Royal Navy who led 0-38 and went on to whitewash the home side 0-60.

Edinburgh Eagles, also at home, pushed National Conference League side York Acorn all the way in their encounter, trailing 6-16 at the break. But a spirited second half time saw them take the lead with the score 18-16 on 53 minutes, but Acorn stepped up a gear to take the spoils with the final score 24-38.

Galway Tribesmen impressed at Pilkington Recs. Having left Galway at 4pm on Friday, the Tribesmen arrived at their hotel at 3am on the morning of the game, but looked in good form as they soaked up first half pressure from Pilkington Recs with Seosamh McDonagh and Ryan Guilfoyle scoring impressive tries, aided by Barry Walsh's conversion which saw them lead the National Conference side 8-10 at half time. The Tribesmen fought valiantly in the second half but were unable to match Pilkington's experience who eventually ran out 36-10 winners.

Tribesmen captain Matthew Towey stressed the importance of the Celtic nations involvement;  “Pilkington Recs showed their knowledge of the game which punished us in the second half, but we will learn from that and it will improve us” he noted.

“We want to step up and prove that we can play at a level and our clubs want to improve and give our players the opportunity to go on and play professionally. Ronan Michael (Longhorns) and Peter Ryan (Galway Tribesmen) have both come through the Irish domestic leagues to go on and play professionally and these opportunities will help us to showcase more quality players such as them."