World sheep shearing Champions crowned at Royal Highland Show 2023

 The winners of the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing & Woolhandling Championships were announced at the Royal Highland Show today (Sunday 25 June).

Taking the top individual titles are Gwion Lloyd Evans from Wales for Machine, Bonile Rabela from South Africa for Blade, and Rosie Keenan from Scotland for Wool Handling.

In the team's section, South Africa triumphed in Blade, Wales took the title for Machine, and Wales for Wool Handling.

The Golden Shears is the pinnacle for shearers and wool handlers, with 30 countries competing for the top prizes this year. Teams came from as far afield as Chile, South Africa and New Zealand to compete. This is only the second time Golden Shears has been held in Scotland, the last time being 2003.

New Zealand will host the 20th Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Masterton on March 4-7, 2026.

The Golden Shears was first held in 1977 and takes place every few years in different locations around the world, including South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Norway and France. Organised by Golden Shears World Council, the aim of the championships is to promote and encourage interest in wool and the art and skill of sheep shearing and wool handling.

Watch back on all the action from Golden Shears on demand on RHSTV - RHS TV Live! | Royal Highland Show.

The Royal Highland Show is the flagship fundraising event for the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS). RHASS Chairman, Jim Warnock, commented:

“The Society was delighted to finally welcome the Golden Shears this year, having won a competitive tender to host the event back in 2019. It was a brilliant competition which brought the eyes of the world to Scotland to watch the very best in shearing and wool handling talent.

“Next year likewise promises to bring a global aspect to the Show, as we are looking forward to hosting the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth’s (RASC) conference at the 2024 Royal Highland Show.”

RHASS Chief Steward of Sheep Shearing, Bruce Lang, added:

“It has been absolutely fantastic to see the Golden Shears back at the Royal Highland Show once again after a 20-year hiatus. The event is a spectacular showcase of global shearing and wool handling talent, and having it at the heart of Scotland’s premier agricultural show really shines a spotlight on the sport.

“Huge congratulations to all of the winning individuals and teams. It takes an enormous amount of hard work, determination, and skill to reach this level and represent your country on the world stage.”

The full list of results can be accessed here.