Members' Profiles

Age: 23

Member since: 2024

"I love the strategic nature of the game — like a game of chess where you can’t always place the pieces exactly where you want them"

Rhys began playing bowls at the age of 6. His grandfather, a highly accomplished bowler, was key to getting him into the sport and often had him watching or practising alongside him.

His grandfather a top‑level player who won the Welsh Outdoor National Singles in 1981, provided strong inspiration and guidance. 

When Rhys was nine, once his hands were finally big enough to hold a legal‑size bowl, he officially joined his local club, Briton Ferry Combine Bowls Club, and has been committed to the sport ever since.

He loves the strategic nature of the game — like a game of chess where you can’t always place the pieces exactly where you want them. 

He also values the friendships he has made across the UK and internationally, which he considers invaluable.

He has won multiple national titles across all junior levels (U16, U18, and U25). He has also represented Wales internationally at every age group, including competing at the World U25 Championships. He also plays football, basketball, and table tennis.

He believes bowls offers opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the sport, develop skills, and be part of a welcoming community. It’s most definitely worth trying.

His main focus right now is on retaining his place in the Welsh international squads for as long as possible.

Age: 78
Member since: 2018

"I enjoy being part of a sport that welcomes all ages and abilities"

At 70 years old—an age when many people are hanging up their sporting boots—Sam decided to start a new chapter and took up lawn bowls. 

What began with a simple flyer and a passing thought that bowls looked “a bit boring” quickly turned into a full‑blown passion. Now, eight years later, he’s completely hooked on the game, the challenge, and the community.

Before bowls, sport was already a huge part of his life.  He was in the Kenya squad in 1965. A long‑standing MCC member since 1982, he played five First‑Class cricket matches and spent ten years representing Buckinghamshire in Minor Counties cricket.   He was a member of the Ealing Cricket Club, which won the Middlesex club championship. 

His cricketing journey took him around the world: Australia (1979 & 1983), the West Indies (1977), India & Pakistan (1997), Kenya (1987 & 1995), and Dubai (2010). 

He also captained the Middlesex Over‑50s for eight years—leadership and competition clearly run in his blood. Alongside cricket, he enjoyed badminton, soccer, and tennis.

Bowls, however, has offered something unique. He loves the skill, the competitiveness, the fresh air, and the steady walking that keeps him active. Most of all, he enjoys meeting new people and being part of a sport that welcomes all ages and abilities.

His achievements in bowls are impressive too. He has collected numerous club honours, represented Middlesex County in both cricket and bowls, and helped Century win the Middlesex Club Championship.

Why does he recommend bowls? Simple: it’s skilful, social, great exercise, and playable all year round—indoors and outdoors. And, as he’ll tell anyone, you meet some truly lovely people along the way.

Right now, he’s gearing up for all the bowls club’s internal competitions as well as Middlesex indoor bowls and outdoor bowls events. Retirement may have been the start of bowls for him, but it’s clear he’s nowhere near slowing down.

Age: 30
Member Since: 2022

“I recommend bowls for its blend of mental and physical challenge and strong community spirit”

Isaac began his bowls journey in Australia in 2015 and joined Century at the start of the 2022–2023 indoor season. Drawn by the club’s friendly atmosphere, competitive spirit, and outstanding indoor bowls green, he quickly became an active part of the Century Bowls Club community.

Originally a badminton and hockey player, Isaac continued to play hockey as an undergraduate but, with the risk of an injury disrupting his pursuit of a performing career in music, he eventually stepped away from the sport. 

When his parents took up bowls at their  local club in Melbourne, he followed—motivated partly by the challenge of beating his dad. He achieved that in the novice singles final that same year, a feat reported in the local newspaper!

Isaac enjoys bowls for its precision, tactical depth, and inclusive nature. As a professional musician, he values the sport as a way to switch off, socialise, and connect with people from all backgrounds.

His achievements include representing England as a director for visually impaired bowlers since 2022, competing in multiple Para Home Nations and Test Series.

A career highlight came with a bronze medal at the 2023 World Bowls Championships in Gold Coast.

As a bowler, he also won the county men’s pairs in 2025 with Nick Sutherland Payne and has contributed to several successful county and national team campaigns at Gerrards Cross BC and Cardiff IBC.

Isaac recommends bowls for its blend of mental and physical challenge, strong community spirit, and accessibility for all ages and abilities. With his parents also involved in the sport, bowls remains a meaningful family connection—even from opposite sides of the world.

Looking ahead, while work and family commitments currently limit his time on the green, Isaac has one eye firmly on 2027, when England hosts the World Bowls Championships, and hopes to build on his 2023 success.