87 | BPL 24, Hong Kong Gold & the World Championships Debate
Episode 87 - BPL 24, Dylan Fisher’s Golden Return & the Road to Worlds
The BPL is back, a familiar Australian name returns to international glory, and the countdown to the 2027 World Bowls Championships is well and truly underway!
DJ joins us from Northern Ireland while Simon holds down the fort in Australia for another packed episode of What a Load of Bowls.
This week, we're diving into the biggest stories from around the bowls world, including some major appointments, international success, and the challenges facing the world's best bowlers as they prepare for slower greens at next year's World Championships.
On this week's episode:
🎳 BPL 24 is underway! – Ocean Grove hosts for the first time, with new faces, major player movements and an impressive new BPL statistics website. We also discuss whether international franchises could take the competition to another level.
🥇 Dylan Fisher's golden comeback – After 14 years between Australian appearances, Dylan Fisher returns to international competition and claims gold at the Hong Kong Classic. Could a World Championships selection be next?
🏆 World Bowls Series Finals – The world's leading players are preparing to descend on Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the year-end number one rankings potentially on the line.
📋 Big changes at Bowls NSW – Karen Murphy, Gary Willis and Brett Hughes headline some significant appointments, while we recognise the winners from the Bowls NSW Awards.
🇦🇺 Premier League expansion – Melbourne's competition is taking shape, while South Australia launches its own Premier League. Is the four-rink format becoming the way forward?
🌍 The road to the 2027 World Championships – With Leamington Spa hosting, preparation on slower grass greens could be crucial. We debate team selections, equipment, training camps and whether the Northern Hemisphere nations will have the advantage.
📱 The Bowls Academy update – Simon shares the latest on Remote Delivery Analysis and gives listeners a glimpse into the development of the upcoming TBA app.
Plus, plenty of the usual banter, a few bold predictions and DJ finding it impossible to escape bowls, even on holiday!
Join the conversation
Do you think the Northern Hemisphere nations have the advantage heading into the 2027 World Championships? And would you like to see an international franchise join the BPL?
Follow, subscribe and leave us a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast platform. Share the episode with your clubmates!
For coaching, drills and player development resources, visit The Bowls Academy.
Keep the little disc on the inside!
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
🏆 The Bowls Academy
Unlock Your Bowls Potential. Play With Confidence
👉 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com
🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel)
Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events.
👉 https://www.starsub.com.au
Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel
🏟️ MakMax Australia
The leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia.
👉 https://www.makmax.com.au
Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies
🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck Rental
Locally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses.
👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au
🏛️DACCA Architecture
The experts when its comes to club renovations, re-fresh and new builds - Speak to Tony and the team
👉🏼 https://daccaarchitecture.com.au/
📧 CONNECT WITH US
Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you!
📩 Simon Lyttle – [email protected]
📩 DJ – [email protected]
Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear:
🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com
🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com
💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW!
If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls:
⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends
💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!