Leading bowls nations from across the globe have pride packed and passports at the ready as the maiden World Team Cup at Tweed Heads Bowls Club edges closer.

The event, which has attracted top teams from Australia , New Zealand and the United Kingdom among others, kicks off on 17 May.

Despite the inability of South Africa to attend and paired-back squads from England , Ireland and Wales , a fiercely competitive event is promised.

“It is a shame to have lost South Africa , but their planning and preparation for next year’s world championships meant the indoor event wasn’t best for them at this point,” Bowls Australia commercial operations manager Des Ryan said.

“We have brought together some very exciting teams to fill the breach and fans aren’t going to be let down, that’s for sure.”

An invitational side from England will play in the women’s side of the draw, along with a star-studded south-east Asian outfit.

The men’s event will now feature world-class invitational teams from Ireland and Canada .

Eight teams, split into pools of four, will contest the men’s event while the women’s draw will include seven teams taking part in a round-robin format in the preliminary stages.  

The top two teams of each men’s pool will advance to the semi-final stage. The semi-final winners will then contest the final, which is scheduled for 24-25 May.

The top two teams after the gruelling round-robin in the women’s section will play-off in the final, also scheduled for 24-25 May.

As with the preliminary matches, both finals will be decided by singles, pairs and triples rubbers.

Arch-rivals Australia and England will battle it out in both men’s and women’s action in the event opener on Thursday 17 May.

The Aussie men – in a pool with England , New Zealand and Malaysia – will need to be on their game if they’re to progress.

Wayne Turley , Nathan Rice and new kid on the block Aron Sherriff carry the hopes of the nation into the tournament.

On the opposing side of the eight-team competition Scotland , Wales and invitational teams from Ireland and Canada await.

Australian selectors have put their faith in leading lady of bowls Karen Murphy, Julie Keegan and young gun Kelsey Cottrell to represent the nation in the women’s event.

The green-and-gold girls will come up against Ireland , Scotland , Malaysia , New Zealand and invitational teams from England and south-east Asia .

Mr Ryan said all competitors were keen for the indoor tournament to begin.

“The players we have spoken to and the nations that are coming out for the World Team Cup are so proud, they can’t wait to mix it with the best in the world,” Mr Ryan said.

“We envisage this tournament will soon rival world championships for honour and prestige.

“When you bring together the best of any sport it is a sight to behold and there’s sure to be some magic at Tweed Heads Bowls Club.

“Tickets are selling fast for the finals and there’s going to be packed stands watching on when the business end of the event arrives.”

Tickets are now on sale via Bowls Australia at www.bowlsaustralia.com.au or by phoning the national body on (03) 9819-2722.

Corporate packages are available for the finals. For more details about corporate packages contact Tweed Heads Bowls Club on (07) 5536-3800.