Bowls New Zealand has today announced the Under 26 team to represent New Zealand Aotearoa at the upcoming Oceania Challenge. This is the second year of the World Bowls event and is to be run at Royal Oak Bowls and New Lynn Bowling Club in Auckland.

Returning to the Under 26 Men's team from the 2023 event is Seamus Curtin and Finbar McGuigan who will be looking to successfully defend their Pairs gold medal. Curtin and McGuigan will team up with newcomers Jordan Keene and Hamish Kelleher, who have each had a stellar season and caught the eye of the national selection panel. Playing the Singles will be Summerset National Singles Champion Aiden Takarua, who will stay on following the event and back up with the World Champion of Champion Singles.

The Women's team sees the return of three from the 2023 event - Briar Atkinson (Singles and Pairs), Olivia Mancer (Pairs and Fours) and Ashleigh Jeffcoat (Triples and Fours). Joining these women will be Rebecca Jelfs of Belfast, Canterbury and Wainuiomata club member Natasha Russell, who is domiciled in Sydney.

The Oceania Challenge runs from 21-24 November and will see New Zealand take on the champions from 2023 Aotearoa Maori, and other Pacific Nations. Australia have confirmed they will bring a formidable team to our shores for the 2024.

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Seamus Curtin - Pairs (L), Fours (3)
Jordan Keene - Triples (L), Fours (L)
Hamish Kelleher - Triples (2), Fours (2)
Finbar McGuigan - Pairs (S), Fours (S)
Aiden Takarua - Singles, Triples (S)

Briar Atkinson - Singles, Pairs (S)
Olivia Mancer - Pairs (L), Fours (2)
Rebecca Jelfs - Triples (2), Fours (3)
Ashleigh Jeffcoat - Triples (L), Fours (L)
Natasha Russell - Triples (S), Fours (S)