In consultation with Bowls Australia, the host nation, we have mutually agreed that the 2020 World Bowls Championships be postponed indefinitely as a result of the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

The event, which was set to be staged on Queensland’s Gold Coast from May 26 – June 7, and involve 36 competing nations from around the world, was deemed too great a risk to the health and safety of the public, players, staff, officials and volunteers.

Further to the risk of public exposure, many nations have also implemented strict measures on local and international travel, including Australia, where visitors from overseas are presently required to self-isolate for at least 14 days.

The intention remains to stage the World Bowls Championships at an appropriate time in the future, however, given the current climate around the uncertainty related to the virus, World Bowls and Bowls Australia are unable to provide an official confirmation of rescheduled dates at this stage.

Chief executive Gary Smith said the unfortunate decision was made with the health and safety of the public, players, staff, officials and volunteers as the primary concern. His counterpart at Bowls Australia, Neil Dalrymple, echoed the sentiment, adding, ‘We have been monitoring the coronavirus situation closely for several months, with advice being taken from the relevant stakeholders and government agencies.

‘The decision was not made without careful consideration and we firmly believe it has been made in line with the best interests of the public, players, staff, officials and volunteers.’