The eyes of the global shearing community turned to Masterton in early March, as 27 international teams gathered for the 20th staging of the prestigious World Shearing Championships 2026. The event ran alongside the 63rd annual Golden Shears, one of the sport’s most iconic fixtures.

Steeped in history, the first World Championships were held in England in 1977. Over the past 49 years, the event has travelled the globe, with host nations including New Zealand, Wales, Australia, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, Norway, and France.

This year’s championships featured around 150 competitors across machine shearing, blade shearing, and woolhandling disciplines, with both individual and team titles up for grabs. The standard was exceptionally high across all categories.

Strong UK Representation

The UK was strongly represented, with teams from all four nations – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – competing at the highest level. Among them were reigning world champions Gwion Evans (machine shearing) and Rosie Keenan (woolhandling). England’s blade shearing team featured father-and-son duo George Mudge and Andrew Mudge, while Northern Ireland’s woolhandling effort included sisters Ellen Murphy and Rachel Murphy.

UK Finalists

As the championship reached its climax and finals day, several UK based competitors made the finals. This included:

Machine Shearing:

  • Gavin Mutch – Scotland
  • Gwion Evans – Wales
  • Llyr Jones – Wales

Blade Shearing:

  • Andrew Mudge – England

Woolhandling:

  • Rosie Keenan – Scotland

New Zealand Dominates

After three days of intense competition, it was host nation New Zealand that dominated proceedings. They secured five titles, including all three team events—machine shearing, blade shearing, and woolhandling. Individually, Joel Henare claimed the woolhandling title, while Rowland Smith took top honours in machine shearing. The final title, individual blade shearing, went to Bonile Rabela of South Africa.

Team Results

The UK based teams all performed strongly in the teams’ championships with very respectable placings of:

Machine Shearing Team:

  • 2nd – England
  • 3rd – Scotland
  • 4th – Wales
  • Northern Ireland achieving 6th in the Teams B Final

Blade Shearing Team:

  • 4th – England
  • 5th – Wales

Woolhandling Team:

  • 6th – England

Reaction

Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement said:

“Huge congratulations to all teams at the World Shearing and Wool handling Championships – there was real skill, commitment and spirit demonstrating the high standards we have here in the UK. All competitors can be very proud of their achievements in representing their country on the global stage.”

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the next World Championships are set to take place in Australia in 2029, with early indications suggesting a slot in the first week of November.