John McGuinness takes temporary break as Bowls England performance director

Bowls England’s performance director John McGuinness is taking a temporary break from the role for personal reasons. John has been in the post since 2019, and led England to an historic medal haul at last summer’s Commonwealth Games, among many other successes for the England teams under his tenure.

John will be replaced on an interim basis by Mo Monkton, who steps up from her role as women’s international team manager. Assistant Sandy Hazell, who was also part of the Birmingham 2022 management team, takes on the interim women’s international team manager role. Kirk Smith continues in his role as men’s international team manager.

Mo brings a wealth of experience, having been a senior international herself, winning European Championship team gold and silver medals before taking on a number of management roles. She was also Disability Bowls England performance director from 2015 to 2022. Sandy also shone internationally, winning a world indoor singles title, a Commonwealth Games bronze in Delhi 2010 and being appointed the nation’s captain.

Bowls England chief executive Jon Cockcroft said: “On behalf of everyone at Bowls England I’d like to send our best wishes to John. 2022 will go down as one of the most successful years for England on the international stage. John deserves great credit for his leadership of our performance programme, and we hope to see him back involved soon.

“We are fortunate to be able to maintain continuity with Mo and Sandy stepping up on an interim basis. Both understand our performance environment and command the respect of the players and fellow managers. Plans for the summer will continue as before, and we look forward to competing internationally including at the World Championships in Australia.”

Mo added: “It’s an honour to be given this role, although of course I would have preferred it to happen under different circumstances and I send my very best to John. My first task is to build upon his fantastic work over the past few years. I’ve seen first hand the successful environment he created and it is now my job to continue on that path.

“Sandy will bring great qualities to the women’s international team manager role and we look forward to getting underway in what is a huge year for international bowls.”

[Press release/Image: Bowls England]

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