Four of Eight Teams Have Announced Line-Ups for 2025 Openshaw Shield GCWTC

Ireland, New Zealand, England and Australia All Set for the Tier 1 GCWTC in February

The build-up to the 2025 Golf Croquet World Team Championships (GCWTC) is in full swing as four of the top eight national teams have announced their line-ups for the prestigious Openshaw Shield. The tournament will be hosted at the Northern Tasmanian Croquet Centre in St. Leonards, Tasmania, Australia, from February 17-23, 2025, bringing together the world's best players to compete for national pride.

Ireland’s Team Line-Up

The Croquet Association of Ireland (CAI) Selection Committee confirmed the Irish team for the GCWTC, aiming to make a strong impact on the global stage. The team includes:

  • Mark Stephens (Captain)

  • Alan Looney

  • Kieran Murphy

  • Evan Newell

  • Rob O’Donoghue

  • Simon Williams

New Zealand Aims to Defend Title

New Zealand, the reigning Openshaw Shield holders, announced a powerful squad led by Manager Nelson Morrow. The New Zealand lineup includes some of the country’s top talents, with the team set to defend the title they claimed in 2020 in Nelson, New Zealand. The players are:

  • Edmund Fordyce (Thames Valley)

  • Levi Franks (Canterbury)

  • Logan McCorkindale (Canterbury)

  • Felix Webby (Hawke’s Bay)

  • Reserve: Jenny Clarke (Canterbury)

England’s Team Selection

England’s Openshaw Shield Selection Committee has also announced a formidable squad for the tournament. Chris Clarke, Chair of the Committee, noted that the team is preparing for challenging matches in Tasmania. The English lineup is as follows:

  • Jamie Burch

  • Euan Burridge

  • Jack Good

  • Aston Wade (Captain)

  • Non-travelling reserve: Callum Johnson

Australia’s Home Team

Croquet Australia announced its team in June 2024, with three members of the renowned Fletcher family among the selected players. The Australian roster includes:

  • Robert Fletcher

  • Greg Fletcher

  • Malcolm Fletcher

  • Edward Wilson

An International Line-Up Set for an Exciting Tournament

The 2025 Openshaw Shield will see eight elite teams from around the globe, with line-ups from Egypt, South Africa, Spain, and the United States expected soon. The competition promises an exciting series of matches as top-ranked teams clash to claim croquet's highest honor. For more information and updates on the tournament, fans are encouraged to visit the official event site at www.gcworldteamstasmania2025.com.au.