As part of our series, we profile the future stars of bowls at both international & county level. In this edition, we focus on Rhianna Russell of Hertfordshire, who became the youngest winner of a Women’s National title in 2022 and was part of the successful Under 18 International squad in 2023.
Key stats
AGE: 17
CLUB: Welwyn & District BC
COUNTY: Hertfordshire
SOCIAL CHANNELS: Facebook
Success to date
LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS:
- 2024 – EIBA Family Pairs Semi Final (with Dad)
- 2023 – Mixed Fours National Semi Final
- 2023 – Women’s Two Bowl Singles National Semi Final
- 2023 – Women’s Champion of Champions Quarter Final
- 2023 – Women’s Junior Singles Quarter Final
- 2023 – Mixed Pairs Regional Winners
- 2022 – Women’s Triples Quarter Final
- 2021 – Family Pairs Regional Winners
- 2021 onwards – Playing in the Walker Cup
- 2018 onwards – Playing in the Johns Trophy
National Titles:
- 2022 – Women’s Two Bowl Singles Champion
- 2021 – Amy Rose Bowl Runners Up
International Recognition:
- 2024 – EIBA U18 British Lions
- 2023 – BE U18 British Isles Championship – Gold
- 2023 – EIBA U25 International Series – Silver
- 2023 – EIBA U18 International Series – Bronze (Pairs)
County Titles:
- 2024 – U18 Singles (Indoor)
- 2023 – Women’s Two Bowl Singles
- 2023 – Women’s Junior Singles
- 2023 – Women’s Junior Pairs
- 2022 – Women’s Ladies Pairs
- 2022 – Women’s Triples
- 2022 – Women’s 2 Bowl
- 2021 – Women’s Junior Pairs
- 2021 – U25 Singles (Indoor)
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE:
Winning the National Women’s Two Bowl Singles Championship in 2022 aged 16.
MOST MEMORABLE MATCH & WHY:
The final of the Women’s Two Bowl Singles in 2022, drawing a toucher with my last bowl on the last end, to become the youngest winner of a Women’s senior title.
My Game
FIRST EXPERIENCE:
Playing in the County Fours in my first full season aged 11, qualifying for the National Championships.
FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE:
Two Bowl Singles, Singles & Pairs. I enjoy the fast pace of the games which helps me to maintain my focus and I can play a variety of different shots.
STRENGTHS:
I can stay calm under pressure and am able to play saving bowls. As I have played in every position I am confident reading the head and have the ability to play a range of shots.
BEST FRIENDS IN BOWLS:
Charlie Beeton, Sam Brugnoli, Keira Thurston, Glenn Williams, Yaz Hasan, Kat Bowman, Matthew Murphy, Tegan Grewal, Ollie Jeapes and many more.
The Future
ASPIRATIONS:
To be selected for the Senior International team, compete in the Commonwealth Games & World Championships. Also, to hopefully win the National Singles title.
ONE THING YOU’D SAY TO GET SOMEONE TO TRY BOWLS:
You may think that this is just an old person’s sport, you would be wrong in thinking so. This is a sport that can be played by all ages and abilities. It is approachable and available for everyone, so why not give it a try. It’s also a great way to make lifelong friends.
If you know a young player in your club or county who we should feature on a future Bowls NxGen, please email daniel.ellicott@bowlsengland.com.