Clough named national selector

Former NSW chairman of selectors Sam Clough has landed one of the sport’s plumpest roles.

Earlier today, Clough was given the nod to join Bowls Australia’s three-strong national selection team through to the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

A vacancy on the panel was created when Cameron Curtis resigned as national coach late last year, with Rex Johnston, who was already a selector, replacing him in the top job.

As a result, Clough will join Johnston and Jenny Harragon as a national selector and will immediately commence his duties with the $125,000 Australian Open just over a fortnight away.

"It’s a pretty good time to be involved being a Commonwealth Games year," Clough said.

"We need to be able to pick a compatible side, who can get the job done (in Delhi).

"I’ve always been my own man (as a selector). I certainly am looking forward to it."

Having served in various capacities as a bowls administrator for the past three decades, Clough was a NSW selector from 2005 to 2009, chairing the final four years, before stepping down late last year down due to coinciding commitments.

With his schedule now free, the former NSW representative will take up his new post during an exciting period for the sport.

With the Delhi Commonwealth Games less than 250 days away, Australia is intent on building upon its record breaking feats in Melbourne where it captured three gold, a silver and a bronze medal from just six disciplines.

The challenge of picking the final team to India, however, will be no easy feat, with Johnston conceding last week’s national camp in Cairns has created just as many questions as it had answers.

With the Australian side to face England at next month’s Moama International already selected, Clough will join his colleagues at the table for the first time when they name their line-up for the proposed eight-nation test event in Delhi in April.

Click here to learn more about the eight-nation test event.

Click here to learn more about the $125,000 Australian Open.