The 2026 BPL Cupseason is bigger and better than ever, and to cater for the growing demand and showcase the inclusivity of the sport of bowls, Bowls Australiawill pilot BPL Cup Women’s Only Roundsin every state and territory.
As the world’s largest club-based competition, the BPL Cup offers players of all abilities a pathway from local greens to the bright lights of the national final.
The introduction of Women’s Only Rounds to the competition is part of a broader push to grow the game at grassroots level, with female participation being identified as a key area for development.
This initiative is designed to remove barriers, build
This initiative is designed to remove barriers, build confidence and make the BPL Cup accessible to an even broader audience.
Last year, 476 women participated in the BPL Cup, making up 14 per cent of entries, highlighting a healthy appetite for the format amongst female bowlers.
“Women’s Only Rounds in the BPL Cup are about shining a brighter spotlight on women in our sport, creating stronger opportunities to compete and be seen, and continuing to build a more visible, inclusive and inspiring pathway for the next generation,” Bowls Australia Events and Competition Administrator Rachael Rodgersaid.
In 2025, Paradise Point Bowls Club’sJoanne Watts lifted
In 2025, Paradise Point Bowls Club’sJoanne Watts lifted the BPL Cup trophy after winning the National Final at Club Pine Rivers with Paul Cruise and Darren Christie.
In doing so, Watts became the first female to win the title in the competition’s nine-year history.
The addition of Women’s Only Rounds will ensure more players have the opportunity to participate and reach ultimate glory like Watts did.
As the first female to win the title,
“As the first female to win the title, it’s definitely a great honour and personal achievement,” Watts said.
“It also shows that other women that are club players like me, can play in an open tournament against the men and can compete as strongly as them.”
Watts encouraged all players to give the BPL Cup a go, saying anyone could win it.
“You can’t win if you don’t enter,” Watts said.
We took on some class players through all
“We took on some class players through all the stages to get to the finals.
“There were plenty of accomplished players from all the states, including the St Johns Park trio we played in the final.
“You’ll never know what could happen unless you give it a go like we did.”
With the BPL Cup already acting
With the BPL Cup already acting as a major driver of participation, the addition of Women’s Only Rounds will further boost numbers in the competition and introduce more people to the sport.
Winners from the Women’s Only Rounds will progress through to the next round of the BPL Cup where they will compete against other BPL Cup Preliminary Round qualifiers.
While only one club from each state and territory will be hosting a Women’s Only Round in 2026, the goal is to expand the initiative to more clubs in future years.
More to be added.
Source: www.bing.com
