Ireland put their World Cup rivals on notice after claiming a ‘three-peat’ in the Wheelchair Celtic Cup, defeating Scotland 70-40 and Wales 50-38 at the Oriam Performance Centre in Edinburgh.

In the other clash, Wales just came out on top against the hosts 50-46 in a match decided on goal kicks, in what was acknowledged by all as the best series between the nations in the eleven stagings of the Cup.

All the games saw world ranking points allocated, and the clash between Ireland and Wales was a rehearsal for their upcoming group game in the 2026 Wheelchair World Cup in Wollongong, Australia in October and November.

Cian Horgan and skipper Joseph Calcott both scored five tries across the games for Ireland.

“We are overjoyed to retain the trophy. We were pushed all the way and that’s reflected in sense of relief amongst the team," Ireland player/head coach Phil Roberts said.

“Scotland have improved out of sight, and every time we gave them a sniff near our tryline they came away with points. It was two really tough matches and the third game was excellent as well.

"Our line defence for most part was good, most of the tries we conceded where from an error or penalty where we gave the other team good starting points, but it has been another fantastic occasion.”

Teenager Matthew Turner led the way for Wales with four tries and 12 goals.

“I’m quite happy overall, we looked at two targets, the win over Scotland was the big one and also the margin against Ireland," Wales head coach Alan Caron said.

"We achieved both but there is still plenty to work on. Scotland have really stepped up, I was very impressed with the way they looked.”

The final match between Wales and Scotland saw both nations post nine tries, co-captain Calum Davidson crossing for four tries for the hosts.

“The day has been a great success,” said Scotland head coach Martyn Gill. “We need to look at our slow starts, but the one thing I’ve seen from the group is resilience. We now need to turn our performances into results. Congratulations to Ireland on their third consecutive success.”

2026 CELTIC CUP

Game 1

Scotland 40: Tries: Max Owen (17, 26, 66), Calum Davidson (34, 42), Calum Japes (48), Mark Robertson (61); Goals: Calum Davidson 4/5, Mark Robertson 2/2

Ireland 70: Tries: Cian Horgan (2, 5, 31), Toby Burton-Carter (8, 39), Peter Johnston (15, 16), Mel Griffith (21), Tom Martin (39, 58), Joseph Calcott (44, 53), Maurice Noonan (62); Goals: Cian Horgan 0/1, Toby Burton-Carter 1/2, Peter Johnston 7/7, Oran Spain 1/1, Tom Martin 0/2

Game 2

Wales 38: Tries: Stuart Williams (14, 42), Matthew Turner (24, 30), Jodie Boyd-Ward (29), Jamie Reynolds (54, 77); Goals: Matthew Turner 5/7

Ireland 50: Tries: Joseph Calcott (1, 64, 69), Peter Johnston (9, 12), Cian Horgan (17, 38), Jack Mangan (41, 52); Goals: Peter Johnston 4/6, Toby Burton-Carter 3/3

Game 3

Wales 50: Tries: Stuart Williams (7), Matthew Turner (9, 14), Lee Sargent (12, 23, 40),Jason Reynolds (34), Sid Ramsey (56, 63); Goals: Matthew Turner 7/9

Scotland 46: Tries: Dave Hill (22), Calum Davidson (28, 44, 46, 76), Max Owen (39, 50, 69),Arran King (60); Goals: Calum Davidson 5/8, Hamish Douglas 0/1

Squads

Scotland: Callum Davidson, Arran King, Dave Hill, Calum Japes, Sarah Devlin, Max Owen, Mark Robertson, Olivia Fulton, James Simpson-Hill