History of the British Isles Bowls Council (BIBC)

The British Isles Bowls Council was formed in 1964, by four of the home countries, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Mr SJ Thompson was the first President and Mr E Sussum the first Honorary Secretary and Treasurer.

International Series

The International Series has been played since 1903, the first being held in London, England.  The series consist of 24 players (6 rinks of 4 players, 2 bowls each, per country) playing each other country, each rink playing 21 ends for each match. The country with the highest shots after each match receives 10 points, a rink win being awarded 2 points and 1 point for a rink draw.

The International Series name was changed to the Senior International Series, when the Junior International Series were introduced in 1992. 

The Senior International Series was not played during the First World War 1915-1918 and the Second World War 1940-1945.  The Series is played annually rotating between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The Junior International Series was introduced in 1992, with the first series being played in Carlisle, Wales.  The Junior Series is played annually and currently being held at one venue for three years.

All the previous winners and results can be found following these links:

Senior Internationals

Junior Internationals

British Isles Championships

The British Isles Championships began in 1959, with the national champions of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  The British Isles Championships is an annual knockout competition.  The three events were held in 1959 was:

In 1971 the triples knockout was introduced:

        Triples (3 bowls each) highest score after 18 ends (or additional ends until there is a clear winner)

Then in 1980 the Junior Singles was also introduced for the national champions under the age of 25:

        Junior Singles (4 bowls each) first player to reach 21 shots

All the previous winners and results can be found following this link:

Championships

The Natwest Trophy was introduced in the year 2000 for the country winning the most number of championship points from all 5 events, 4 points for winning a trophy, 2 points for runner-up and 1 point for losing in a semi-final.

All the previous winners and results can be found following this link:

Championships

Channel Islands

In 1995 the Channel Islands was introduced in both the Senior International Series and British Isles Championships.  In 2003 the Channel Islands withdraw from the International Series, with Guernsey and Jersey being introduced separately into the British Isles Championships the same year.