We are delighted to confirm plans for a full programme of British Bowls events in 2025.

Representatives of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales met on Monday 11^th and Tuesday 12^th November to confirm future governance arrangements, review 2024 events and agree competition plans for 2025 and beyond. Whilst Jersey were unable to attend the meeting, they remain a core member of British Bowls and all five nations will sign a British Bowls Collaboration Agreement.  A comprehensive Event Manual is also being developed to ensure consistent event delivery between the nations as we work together to build the brand of British Bowls.

World Bowls Chief Executive Neil Dalrymple joined part of the meeting to provide an overview of plans internationally, with the group using this opportunity to take a more strategic view of the wider role that British Bowls can play in future. Discussions included developing the events programme, ensuring the new world rankings system reflects the efforts of British bowlers, maximizing the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and how we use international events to grow participation.

The season again kicks off with the British Bowls Championships and Internationals at Llandrindod Wells BC, Wales, from Tuesday 24^th to Sunday 29^th June inclusive. Players from England, Ireland, Jersey, Scotland and Wales will come together to battle for individual and team honours across six days of action-packed bowls.

Following positive feedback from players and spectators across all nations, it was agreed that the format for the British Bowls International Series remain multi-discipline with 15 player teams across both the men’s and women’s event. Minor amendments will see the removal of extra ends in individual games plus a review of the points scoring for individual and overall scores. The Championships will see the inclusion of two new events – Men’s Under 25 Pairs and Women’s Under 18 Singles – in order to achieve gender equality across all events.

These events will be followed by the U18 Internationals in Ayr, Scotland, on Sunday 20^th and Monday 21^st July. This event continues to provide international action for Britain’s top young players.

To top the season off the fiercely competitive British Isles U25 Internationals will also take place in Ayr on Saturday 13^th and Sunday 14^th September. It was agreed that the format for this event will follow that of the International Series, with individual disciplines across both genders in order to better support the player pathway to further international honours, and further work is being undertaken by the British Bowls team to finalise details for this event.

England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will participate in both the U18 and U25 events.

Bowls England Chief Executive Jon Cockcroft said:

“The British Bowls events in 2024 were hugely successful, with very positive feedback from players and spectators, particularly the new International Series format. We enjoyed a very productive two days with colleagues from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and, together with Jersey, we look forward to a bright future for British Bowls on and off the green. With the 2026 Commonwealth Games just over 18 months away, we look forward to showcasing the best players and inspiring more people to play and watch bowls.”

In addition to the British Bowls events, an England team will also participate in a Test Match against Ireland in Dublin in July.

Dates for your Diary:

Tuesday 24^th and Wednesday 25^th June:

British Bowls Championships

Llandrindod Wells BC, Wales

Thursday 26^th to Sunday 29^th June inclusive:

British Bowls International Series

Llandrindod Wells BC, Wales

Saturday 12^th and Sunday 13^th July:

Test Match v Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Sunday 20^th and Monday 21^st July:

U18 International Series

National Centre for Bowling, Ayr, Scotland

Saturday 13^th and Sunday 14^th September:

U25 International Series

National Centre for Bowling, Ayr, Scotland