Wales Confirms Squad for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Wales will field competitors in the women’s pairs and singles, men’s pairs and singles, and visually impaired mixed pairs across both the Bowls and Para Bowls programmes. Among them is Dan Salmon — seeking an extraordinary third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the men’s pairs, having triumphed at both the Gold Coast in 2018 and Birmingham in 2022.
Glasgow 2026 marks a historic milestone for the sport: for the first time in the Games’ history, bowls will be played indoors, promising a uniquely intimate atmosphere for players and spectators alike.

CONFIRMED SQUAD

• Amy Williams Women’s Pairs & Women’s Singles
• Lauren Gowen Women’s Pairs
• Ross Owen Men’s Pairs & Men’s Singles
• Dan Salmon Men’s Pairs
• Julie Thomas Para Bowls – VI Mixed Pairs
• Steffan James Para Bowls – VI Mixed Pairs
• John Wilson Para Bowls – VI Mixed Pairs Director
• Jamie Jones Para Bowls – VI Mixed Pairs Director

THE SQUAD IN FOCUS

Dan Salmon, born in Cardiff in 1994, made his first international appearance aged just 15 — the youngest person ever to represent Wales indoors — and has since become one of the most decorated bowlers in Commonwealth Games history. His back-to-back golds, partnering Marc Wyatt in 2018 and Jarrad Breen in 2022, equalled the record for Commonwealth Games gold medals won by any Welsh lawn bowler. He also holds the World Singles Champion of Champions title.

Alongside him is Ross Owen — currently ranked world number 3 — who won bronze in the men’s triples at Birmingham 2022 and has claimed World Cup Pairs gold in Malaysia, British Isles Singles gold both indoors and outdoors, and a World Champion of Champions bronze medal. Ross will contest both the singles and pairs.

In the women’s competition, Amy Williams brings exceptional experience. The Newport IBC member earned her senior Wales cap at just 16 — the youngest at the time — and has won the Welsh National indoor title three times (2022, 2025, 2026), claimed singles bronze medals at the World Bowls Indoor Championships in 2022 and 2023, and reached a career high world ranking of number 20. She will compete in both the singles and pairs alongside Lauren Gowen — herself a world number 15 and silver medallist at the 2025 World Bowls Indoor Championships — for whom Glasgow will be a first Commonwealth Games.

In the Para Bowls programme, Julie Thomas makes her third Commonwealth Games appearance having won bronze at the Gold Coast in 2018 and silver at Birmingham in 2022. The Bridgend-based former head teacher, who took up bowls after losing her sight, partners Steffan James — with whom she claimed gold at the inaugural Para Bowls European Championships in 2024. James makes his Commonwealth Games debut. Guiding them will be Directors John Wilson, now at his fourth Games, and James Jones, who brings over 11 years of international experience to the role.

“The Commonwealth Games doesn't just showcase our best athletes; it opens a door. For every person who watches and thinks 'I'd love to try that,' there's a club, a code and a community waiting for them across Wales. This squad will represent Welsh bowls with everything they have and I can't wait to see them compete in Glasgow this summer.”
— Joanna Owen, General Manager, BowlsWales / BowlsCymru

“I’m so glad it’s all out there now. It’s a huge honour to be selected for the Commonwealth Games. I’m incredibly proud to represent Wales and excited to be part of the team. I’ll be working hard to best prepare and hopefully contribute towards a successful Games for Wales.”
— Ross Owen, Team Wales

“I’m super excited and exceptionally proud to have been selected for my third Commonwealth Games. I still find it hard to believe sometimes that my life has changed so much since losing my sight back in 2008. Sport has transformed my life completely and I am now in a position where I am able to represent Wales in a sport that I love. I am truly honoured and counting the days.”
— Julie Thomas, Team Wales