A new generation of England’s brightest young bowlers will take to the green this weekend as the British Bowls Under 18 Series gets underway at Ayr Northfield BC in Scotland.

Taking place on Sunday 20 and Monday 21 July, the prestigious series sees England face off against the home nations of Scotland, Wales and Ireland in a round-robin format. Teams will compete in a combination of pairs, triples, and fours matches, with the overall winner crowned at the end of the two days.

With several members of last year’s squad now aged out of the category, England has named eight debutants in their 14-player team. Leading the side is Samuel Brugnoli, who has been appointed captain for 2025. His experience will be key as the squad looks to regain the title from Scotland, who lifted the trophy in 2024 following England’s triumph the previous year.

Samuel said:

“To represent England means everything to me. I look forward to playing against the best under-18s from Ireland, Wales and Scotland in Ayr.

To be selected as captain is an honour, a privilege and has been my dream. I am so proud to lead this very strong England squad. I have full confidence that we can go on and win the series.”

Performance Director Mo Monkton added:

“The British Bowls Under 18 Series provides a first taste of international bowls for many of our younger players and is the first step on the pathway to full international honours.

We have seen a number of players progress from the Under 18 to Under 25 team this year, and similarly from the Under 25 team to the International squad. We are confident that those selected will grasp the opportunity afforded to them in Scotland and wear their England shirts with pride.”

Aviva Under 18 England Team

Samuel Brugnoli # (Buckden BC, Huntingdonshire)
Louie Hodges* (Cheltenham BC, Gloucestershire)
Alfie Holland* (Avon BC, Wiltshire)
Liam May* (Banister Park BC, Hampshire)
Vinnie Minter* (Hove and Kingsway BC, Sussex)
Matthew Murphy (Buntingford BC, Hertfordshire)
Dylan Williamson* (Cheltenham BC, Gloucestershire)
Erin Burke* (Coleford BC, Gloucestershire)
Chloe Holmes* (Norwest BC, Somerset)
Evie Mills (Braintree BC, Essex)
Lilli Murray (Desborough Town BC, Northamptonshire)
Daria Rampelt* (Branksome Park BC, Dorset)
Kacee Sultman (Forest Hall BC, Northumberland)
Sophie Wood (Darlington Woodlands BC, Durham)

Non-Travelling Reserves:

Joshua Hodges (Cheltenham BC, Gloucestershire)
Nayara Drummond (Borough of Eye BC, Suffolk)

Captain:

Samuel Brugnoli # (Buckden BC, Huntingdonshire)

Team Manager:

Nicola Bowe (Wigton BC, Cumbria)

# Captain
* New cap

You can follow the action with updates across the weekend via the live scoring document and by following Bowls England and Bowls Scotland on social media.

The Aviva National Bowls Finals are just around the corner! Taking place from 13th to 31st August, the pinnacle event of the bowls calendar will see bowlers from across England competing fiercely to be crowned National Champions. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness more brilliant action and cheer on your favourite players.

Tickets are available from £5.50 for adults, and more information about the event can be found here.