Team South Africa Rolls into Action as Lawn Bowls Opens the 2026 Commonwealth Games

GLASGOW — The wait is over. Before the official fanfare of tonight’s Opening Ceremony even begins, Team South Africa is set to make its first mark at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow today, stepping onto the greens at the SEC Centre’s Hall 3.

Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls will officially serve as the curtain-raiser for the Games, with competition running daily from today through to the final day of the event on August 2.

Opening Day Action

South African sports fans can catch the first wave of competitive action this afternoon, with crucial preliminary and sectional matchups already on the schedule.

First up for the national side is the highly experienced Wayne Rittmuller. He opens his campaign in the Men’s Singles (Section C) against Singapore’s Harriman Yuen, with the first bowl set to be delivered at 13:20 SA time (12:20 UK time).

Shortly after, the focus shifts to the Women’s Pairs (Section B). The dynamic duo of Jackie Janse van Rensburg and Thabelo Muvhango will take on Tonga in their opening round clash at 14:45 SA time (13:45 UK time). Both fixtures are vital for building early momentum in the sectional stages.

The Full Squad

South Africa has a deeply rooted pedigree in Commonwealth Games lawn bowls, highlighted by memorable gold and silver medal finishes in the 1994 and 1998 editions. The 2026 squad looking to add to that legacy features a strong mix of established veterans and rising talent across both the standard and Para Bowls disciplines.

Men’s Squad:

Wayne Rittmuller
Jason Evans
Paul White
Keith Orrell
Garther Rees-Gibbs
Jarid James

Women’s Squad:

Bridget Calitz
Jacquelyn Janse Van Rensburg
Elinah (Thabelo) Muvhango
Nozipho Schroeder

Tonight's Opening Ceremony

While the bowls team focuses on the tactical battle on the indoor greens, the rest of the Glasgow 2026 cohort is preparing for tonight’s grand Opening Ceremony.

The festivities, which will officially bring together athletes from across the Commonwealth to celebrate the start of the 10-sport program, are being hosted at the spectacular OVO Hydro Indoor Arena. South African viewers can tune into the broadcast starting at 21:00 SA time (20:00 UK time) to watch the national squad proudly march out under the flag.