2025 World Bowls Champion of Champions Preview - Iain McLean & Jaclyn Neil Q&A
The 2025 World Bowls Champion of Champions singles event gets underway next week, taking place at CluBarham, New South Wales, Australia from Sunday 21st – Thursday 25th September.
Scotland will be represented by our 2024 national singles champions, Iain McLean and Jaclyn Neil, who are both looking forward to taking on the rest of the world’s respective national singles winners.
There have been previous Scottish triumphs at the World Champion of Champions with Darren Burnett and Lorna Smith clinching both the men’s and women’s events. Iain McLean has also previously won the men’s event at Christchurch, New Zealand in 2014 and will be looking to follow in Australia’s Lee Schraner’s footsteps to become only the second male player to have won the men’s singles on two occasions.
Meanwhile, Jaclyn has enjoyed a successful 12 months, making her senior international debut for Scotland at the 2025 British Bowls Internationals in Wales. Jaclyn will be hoping to build on her experience from this event to make her mark on the world stage.
Bowls Scotland wish both Iain and Jaclyn well in their quest to bring home medals for Scotland. Before they jetted off to the Southern Hemisphere, we caught up with both players to find out more about their aspirations for the competition.
Read the full Q&A below:
Q1. How have you been preparing for the upcoming World Bowls Champion of Champions?
IM: “Nothing special on the bowls front, finishing club ties and playing in a couple of social days to wind down the outdoor season. Once September comes, I'll hit the indoor for a couple of weeks decent practice before going to Australia.
“Fitness wise I've been trying to shed a few pounds and get a little fitter in anticipation for the long days play during the Champion of Champions. It’s not been easy going, as those who know me know I enjoy my grub, but I'm getting there!”
JN: “I’ve been trying to play as much as possible. The greens will be a lot different in Australia, but any competitive play is helpful.
“Once I’m back from the test match against Wales at Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club I have a few days before I fly out so I’m planning to try and get to the indoor to help prepare me for the quicker greens.”
Q2. With the event being held in Australia, what challenges are you expecting to face competing in the Southern Hemisphere?
IM: “Having played in Australia a few times previously I am not overly worried about anything in particular. It will be important to acclimatise as quickly as possible once I land, get into the swing of things and be as relaxed and refreshed as possible for the competition starting.”
JN: “The biggest challenges will be the greens and playing with different bowls. I’ve heard that the wind can also have a huge effect on the bowls but I’m looking forward to the new experience.”
Q3. What does it mean to you to be representing your country in an international event?
IM: “Representing Scotland at any level has always been the pinnacle for me. It was the dream when I started playing the game and to be able to do it again at this level is a great honour and something I am really looking forward to.”
JN: “It’s always a huge privilege to represent Scotland, I never dreamed I’d have the opportunity to do it at a world event.
“I definitely learned a lot from playing at the British Bowls Championships and Internationals. I'm looking forward to applying that knowledge in my games in Australia.”
Q4. How have Blackwood Victoria Bowling Club/Arthurlie Bowling Club supported you throughout your bowls journey and for this competition specifically?
IM: “Blackwood Victoria Bowling Club committee and members have always been great supporters and helped me in every way they can.
“Be it physical support when I am playing like once again at this year’s National Championships or financially like in 2022 when they covered the cost of the red and blue bowls required for the Commonwealth Games. They've always been there for me, and it is greatly appreciated.”
JN: “The ongoing support I have received from the bowling community as a whole has been overwhelming and I truly appreciate it.
“I just want to thank everyone who has supported me over the years and especially those who helped me raise the funds to be able to travel out to participate in the event.”
Q5. What are your aims for the event?
IM: “The ultimate aim in my mind is to win the event. It's obviously not an easy target to achieve but anytime I step on the green I think it's important to have the correct mentality and strive for top spot. If I can turn up with the right mindset and perform well, who knows?”
JN: “With every game, the aim is to win. It would be a dream to win the world title but with the high calibre of players, it’s never going to be easy. I want to get as much as I can from this experience, which I hope will improve my game overall.”
For more information on the World Bowls Champion of Champions, find the following documents below:
We will keep everyone updated on Iain and Jaclyn’s progress throughout the event via our website and social media pages.