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The New Zealand Olympic Committee and Bowls New Zealand are proud to announce the first athletes selected to the New Zealand Team for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Today also doubles as an important milestone in the lead up to Glasgow 2026 with 100 days to go until the Games.
The six women and six men selected to compete in their respective events:
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.
The women’s team is headlined by 2023 Women’s World Singles Champion, Tayla Bruce, who will contest the Women’s Singles in Glasgow.
“It’s such an honour to be selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” said Bruce.
“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. I’m really looking forward to competing, making the most of the experience, and representing my country with pride,” she said.
Also selected are the 2023 Women’s World Para Pairs Champions, Teri Blackbourn and Julie O’Connell, who will contest the Women’s B6-B8 Pair.
“It’s still sinking in that we get to wear the fern at the Commonwealth Games,” said Blackbourn.
“To be playing with Julie 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. What an absolute honour,” she said.
Experienced head, Shannon Mcilroy is selected for his 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 to compete at my fifth Commonwealth Games,” said Mcilroy.
“Every Games has given me a new experience, and this one will be no different. 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 Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol extended her congratulations to the selected athletes.
“Officially welcoming athletes to the New Zealand Team is always a special moment in any Games cycle. 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.”
Bowls New Zealand CEO, Mark Cameron, said he was proud of the athletes heading to Glasgow.
“Congratulations to the athletes selected to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games. Being named in a Commonwealth Games team is a significant honour and reflects years of dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence. We are immensely proud of this group and know they will wear the silver fern with pride as they compete on the world stage.”
Official Apparel Partner to the New Zealand Team, Kathmandu, will be kitting out all athletes selected for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Athletes announced today are wearing the NZZN mark t-shirt, a tribute to the iconic 1974 Commonwealth Games logo that has transcended generations.
Closer to the Games, the NZZN t‑shirt will also be available from Kathmandu, giving New Zealanders the opportunity to wear this iconic symbol and Go All Out in support of the New Zealand Team.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Bowls and Para Bowls competition will take place from 24 July to 2 August 2026.
Click here for bios of the NZ Team bowlers heading to Glasgow 2026.