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SANDY HAZELL RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL INDOOR BOWLS |
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The news comes just weeks after
one of the most successful Commonwealth Games campaigns in the
history of English bowls. As Bowls England Women's Team Manager, Sandy was instrumental in shaping the squad's success at Glasgow 2026. Playing on an indoor surface for the first time, England returned home with an extraordinary medal haul; including three gold medals, two silvers and a bronze. For Sandy, the Games represented something particularly special - having taken on the role of Women's Team Manager while continuing her own indoor international playing career, she has found herself a natural at guiding experienced and emerging players towards the biggest stages in the sport. She described her immense pride and joy at watching the players excel at the Games while they acknowledged she was a key part in their success. A stellar career Following in her father's footsteps, Sandy first stepped onto a bowls green at the age of just 12. Her talent was quickly evident and she made her Junior International debut in 1990, followed by a call up into the senior team in 1998 at Darlington. She has notched up 84 international caps indoors since then, alongside 13 national and three British titles. Sandy has played in 28 British Isles series and been part of the winning team 17 times. Appointed captain in 2006, she has led the team to 15 series wins out of 20, the last being in Belfast in 2026. Additionally, Sandy won the World Indoor Singles in 1996.  In 2010, Sandy represented England at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, winning bronze in the women's triples. Two years later came another landmark moment when she became the only Englishwoman to win the prestigious Hong Kong Classic singles title. Over the years, she has become one of the most recognisable and respected figures within the international women's game. As outdoor and indoor England captain, she led by example, combining the competitive edge required at the highest level with the experience and calmness that has kept her at the top for so long. In 2020, she moved into selection, having served on the Kent Executive and worked as both a selector and co-manager of the Amy Rose side. That transition eventually led to her appointment as England Women's Team Manager. Initially taking on the role on an interim basis, Sandy admits she was unsure how long she would remain in the position. But her commitment was rewarded when she was confirmed as Women's Team Manager as part of Bowls England's new Performance Team structure in 2025.  It's
quite remarkable that Sandy, 60, has balanced this role with
competing- and winning. Just last year she scooped another national
title to add to the vast collection- with good friend and Swale
teammate Wendy King in the EIBA Women's Pairs.EIBA Chief Executive Peter Thompson said: "I'd like to thank Sandy for her many years of dedication to the England set up, both as a player and as captain. The work she has put in behind the scenes to ensure the series run smoothly has made such a difference to the team. "To have achieved so many caps is a brilliant testimony to Sandy's ability and commitment and she will continue to be a role model to many." While it's clear Sandy will be dearly missed on the indoor international scene and as part of the series', her influence on the women's game is far from over. We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - SIAN HONOR EXPLAINS WHAT IT FELT LIKE TO PLAY AT THE GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES |
September 2026
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