2025 & 2026 Champion of Champions
Club Barham in NSW, Australia has been announced as the host for 2025 and 2026 events.
World Bowls Series and Official World Rankings
The world rankings for men and women were officially launched in June this year and the rankings are being published monthly following the receipt of results from recently staged sanctioned events. There has been much positive feedback received on the rankings. The world para rankings will be launched in early 2025.
2025 World Cup
Invitations have been issued to the top 12 countries as qualified from the 2023 World Championship to
participate in this new event to be staged in Hong Kong China in December 2025.
Oceania Challenge
The second Oceania Challenge was very successful, growing from last year and well hosted by Bowls NZ. Some of the smaller countries medaled (Tokelau – Gold in the Men’s Pairs, Samoa – Silver in the Women’s Triples). Tonga won a gold medal at the Champion of Champions and the Prime Minister of Tonga sent congratulations, which is good for the profile of the sport in the Pacific.
Read more here: Oceania Challenge Bowls Excites With Quality, Celebration
Pacific Games
World Bowls is hopeful bowls will be on the program for the Pacific Games held every two years. The Oceania Challenge was started after some recent Pacific Games hosts didn’t have bowls facilities, but Tonga has the 2029 Mini Games and has facilities and the Cook Islands as well.
Board
Brett O’Riley was elected World Bowls President at the Board Meeting following the AGM on 19 November – and as per clause 20 (a) of the Constitution – succeeding Darryl Clout.
World Bowls acknowledges the sterling service and magnificent contribution Darryl has made as President, overseeing the most significant period of change since the inception of World Bowls. WB also sincerely appreciates Darryl’s willingness to continue to serve on the Board and the great benefit this continuity will bring to WB going forward.
The Bowls Oceania Board will expand – looking to have every country represented. Donated Bowls have been put aside for some MNAs – the last time some had new bowls was 20 years ago; a useful reminder of what the larger countries can do to help – good to focus more on this.
Read more here: New President Appointed to Lead World Bowls