The New Zealand Olympic Committee and Bowls New Zealand marked 100 days to go until Glasgow 2026 by naming the first athletes who will represent their nation at the Commonwealth Games across July and August.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee and Bowls New Zealand marked 100 days to go until Glasgow 2026 by naming the first athletes who will represent their nation at the Commonwealth Games across July and August.
Among the six women and six men who have been selected to compete in their respective events are 2023 World champions Tayla Bruce (Women’s Singles), as well as 2023 Women’s World Para Paris Champions Teri Blackbourn and Julie O’Connell (Women’s B6-B8 Pair).
“It’s such an honour to be selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” said Bruce, who also competed at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.
“It’s a true pinnacle event for our sport, particularly because it allows us to have the special opportunity to be part of the wider New Zealand Team.
Bruce, a bronze medallist in the Women’s Triples and Fours at Birmingham 2022, continued; “I’m really looking forward to competing, making the most of the experience, and representing my country with pride.”
Blackbourn, who is a mother-of-two and has rheumatoid arthritis which impacts her strength and range of motion, was inspired to take up the sport after watching Birmingham 2022 on television.
“It’s still sinking in that we get to wear the fern at the Commonwealth Games,” said Blackbourn, “but what an absolute honour.
“To be playing with Julie (O’Connell) at the highest level is a dream come true, and sharing the experience alongside our Blackjacks teammates and the wider New Zealand Team makes it even more special.
“We’re going to enjoy every step of the journey, starting now, as we build towards this incredible event.”
Shannon Mcilroy (Men’s Singles) will contest a fifth Commonwealth Games, having previously represented New Zealand at Delhi 2010, Glasgow 2014, Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.
“I’m incredibly honoured to get another opportunity,” said Mcilroy.
“Every Games has given me a new experience, and this one will be no different and the shortened format has made me excited about the opportunity to represent the New Zealand Team again.
“This is our Olympics, so I look forward to the challenge ahead and hopefully, with strong performances, we can bring home some medals,” he said.
New Zealand is fifth in the all-time bowls standings for medals won across the 21 editions of the Commonwealth Games in which the sport has featured.
Nicki Nicol, New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO, extended her congratulations to the selected athletes.
“Officially welcoming athletes to the New Zealand Team is always a special moment in any Games cycle,” Nicol said. “Congratulations to these Bowls athletes on earning selection for Glasgow 2026.
“They have worked incredibly hard for this opportunity, and we know they will wear the fern with pride as part of the wider NZ Team at the Commonwealth Games.”
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony takes place on 23 July 2026, with the Bowls and Para Bowls competition running from 24 July to 2 August.
For your chance to attain tickets to watch the sport at Glasgow 2026, CLICK HERE.
Glasgow 2026 New Zealand Bowls Squad:
Women’s Singles: Tayla Bruce
Women’s Pair: Katelyn Inch, Selina Goddard
(Reserve: Women’s Singles, Selina Goddard)
Men’s Singles: Shannon Mcilroy
Men’s Pair: Ali Forsyth, Tony Grantham
(Reserves: Men’s Singles: Ali Forsyth, Men’s Pair, Shannon McIlroy for Tony Grantham only)
Women’s Para Pair (B6-B8): Teri Blackbourn, Julie O’Connell
Men’s Para Pair (B6-B8): Mark Noble, Kurt Smith
Mixed Para Pair (B2-B3) *: Kerrin Wheeler, Sonya Woodrow and their Directors, Colin Wheeler and Kimberly Carraher.
*Conditional on confirmation of international classification for both athletes by the IBD with a confirmed sport class status or review with a fixed review date of 2027 or later.
