The World Shearing & Wool Handling Championships, held every few years in different countries, is the pinnacle event for the World of Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling. The most recent championship was held at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland in 2023, with New Zealand hosting the next event in March 2026. The competition includes individual and team events for machine shearing, blade shearing, and wool handling.
After a summer of strong competition, the teams representing England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2026 have now been confirmed. The teams will be:
England:
Team Manager: Gavin Stephens
Machine Shearer: Matt Smith
Machine Shearer: Nick Greaves
Blade Shearer: George Mudge
Blade Shearer: Andrew Mudge
Wool Handling: Hilary Bond-Harding
Wool Handling: Jess Parkhouse
Scotland:
Team Manager: Willie Dickson
Machine Shearer: Gavin Mutch
Machine Shearer: Hamish Mitchel
Blade Shearer: Willie Craig
Blade Shearer: Murray Craig
Wool Handling: Katie O’Sullivan
Wool Handling: Rosie Keenan
Wales:
Team Manager: Rhys Jones
Machine Shearer: Gwion Lloyd Evans
Machine Shearer: Llyr Jones
Blade Shearer: Rhydian Evans
Blade Shearer: Elfed Jackson
Wool Handling: Sarah Rees
Wool Handling: Jessica Morgan
Northern Ireland:
Team Manager: TBC
Machine Shearer: Alex Butler
Machine Shearer: Graeme Davidson
Blade Shearer: Sam McConnell
Blade Shearer: Chris Coulter
Wool Handling: Rachel Murphy
Wool Handling: Ellen Murphy
The championships take place in Masterton, New Zealand, between the 4th and 7th March 2026.
Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement, said: “On behalf of British Wool, congratulations to all the shearers and wool handlers who have qualified for next year’s World Championships. This outstanding achievement reflects your exceptional skill, dedication, and professionalism. Wishing you every success as you represent your country on the world stage.”
Graze will be meeting and publishing a profile of the four teams in the months running up to the Championships.