Shearers and woolhandlers from throughout the country will have the chance to be part of the World Championships in Invercargill in February, with entries open for the Southland All Nations and Speed Shear events.
The All Nations has been added to the World Championship programme to allow those not competing at the World Championships to be part of this historic event, as well as allow competitors to put the final touches on their World Champs preparation.
2017 World Shearing and Woolhandling Championship Committee Chairman Tom Wilson said this was an important part of the championships. "We have had such great support from the shearing fraternity so our organising committee wanted to make sure there was a chance for as many people as possible to be part of these Championships," Mr Wilson said.
"The All Nations is designed to give the World teams some last-minute practice and give the rest of New Zealand the chance to pit their skills against the World," he said.
Entries are being taken for Intermediate, Senior and Open machine shearing, Open Blade shearing and Senior and Open Woolhandling with heats and finals being held from the opening day of competition on Wednesday 8 February through to Friday 10 February.
Open and Senior Speed Shearing will also be held on the Thursday night of the Championships (February 9). "I can't think of a better way to kick-start our night sessions at the event," Event Director Jude McNab said.
"With Jody Direen and Jason Kerrison on stage the following two nights we are going to have a crazy atmosphere in ILT Stadium Southland."
Interest has been high in the All Nations events and with limited numbers in all grades, New Zealand and international competitors are encouraged to enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Entries open at 8pm on November 3rd, New Zealand time via the official championship website.
32 countries have already confirmed their attendance at the February World Championships, which will be held at ILT Stadium Southland in Invercargill, the first time in the World Championships' 40-year history that they will be held in New Zealand's South Island.
Remember to also follow the 2017 World Championships on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat.
The All Nations has been added to the World Championship programme to allow those not competing at the World Championships to be part of this historic event, as well as allow competitors to put the final touches on their World Champs preparation.
2017 World Shearing and Woolhandling Championship Committee Chairman Tom Wilson said this was an important part of the championships. "We have had such great support from the shearing fraternity so our organising committee wanted to make sure there was a chance for as many people as possible to be part of these Championships," Mr Wilson said.
"The All Nations is designed to give the World teams some last-minute practice and give the rest of New Zealand the chance to pit their skills against the World," he said.
Entries are being taken for Intermediate, Senior and Open machine shearing, Open Blade shearing and Senior and Open Woolhandling with heats and finals being held from the opening day of competition on Wednesday 8 February through to Friday 10 February.
Open and Senior Speed Shearing will also be held on the Thursday night of the Championships (February 9). "I can't think of a better way to kick-start our night sessions at the event," Event Director Jude McNab said.
"With Jody Direen and Jason Kerrison on stage the following two nights we are going to have a crazy atmosphere in ILT Stadium Southland."
Interest has been high in the All Nations events and with limited numbers in all grades, New Zealand and international competitors are encouraged to enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Entries open at 8pm on November 3rd, New Zealand time via the official championship website.
32 countries have already confirmed their attendance at the February World Championships, which will be held at ILT Stadium Southland in Invercargill, the first time in the World Championships' 40-year history that they will be held in New Zealand's South Island.
Remember to also follow the 2017 World Championships on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat.