Andy Thomson announces World Bowls Tour retirement

by Val Febbo on January 15, 2021

Champion English and Scottish bowler and Bowls Australia’s part-time Tactical Coach Andy Thomson MBE has announced his retirement from the World Bowls Tour (WBT) following his exit from the annual World Indoor Bowls Championships at Potter’s Resort this week.

Thomson has enjoyed a decorated 33-year career on the tour dating back to his junior days in 1988, including finishing 2005 as the world number one player on the WBT.

The 65-year-old caught everyone off guard by the shock announcement, but after pondering how he would reveal the news he felt the time was right following his loss to Greg Harlow in England.

“I’d like to announce now that’s my final game on the portable (Potter’s) rink,” Thomson said in his post-match interview.

“I had my first (WBT) game in 1988, to be here 33 years later and still be performing with all these top guys has been a dream for me.

“It’s been something I’ve loved every year but I feel now that it’s time to retire from the top level; I’ll still be playing bowls obviously but on the World Bowls Tour I think I’ve done my time.”

Despite bowing down from professional competition, Thomson says his work with Bowls Australia as a part-time tactical coach is an exciting opportunity to assist the BCiB Jackaroos prepare for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year.

“I’m involved with a fantastic organisation in Bowls Australia with Steve Glasson,” Thomson said.

“With the Commonwealth Games only 18 months away I’m really involved with a fantastic team.

“I’m part of the Australian coaching team and it’s something that I’m really so excited about and something I really am looking forward to.

“I get so many messages from Australia, so to all my Australian friends I look forward to seeing you shortly.”