Nick Brett, the English bowls player who became a viral sensation after a remarkable shot at the 2020 World Indoor Championships, has been named in the Team England squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 52-year-old from Peterborough won gold in the men's triples at Birmingham 2022 alongside Louis Ridout and Jamie Chestney, and will compete in the pairs this summer with Jamie Walker.
Brett, often dubbed the 'Brad Pitt of bowls', joked about the comparison: 'I'm probably more like the arm pit!' He remains grateful for the viral moment that changed his career, saying: 'I'm glad it happened for the game. We need moments like that to get bowls noticed.'
The future of the 2026 Games was in doubt after Victoria withdrew as hosts, but Glasgow stepped in. Brett stressed the importance of the event: 'It's massively important that the Commonwealth Games still go ahead. For bowls especially, it's one of our major spectacles every four years.'
Despite England's strong squad, Brett is cautious: 'We're a strong country, but so is everyone else. We won't shy away from saying we want to bring medals back, but we also understand there are world-class players everywhere.'
This will be Brett's second Commonwealth Games appearance, and he is thrilled to represent his country again. 'International bowls on this stage doesn't get any better. To be part of this squad, with the players we've got, is outstanding,' he added.
