Event Summary
2026 AC World Team Championship Tier 1 - the MacRobertson Shield, England
The 2026 Association Croquet World Team Championships - Tier 1, competing for the MacRobertson Shield - will be held in England between 24th July and 9th August 2026.
Tier 1 will be a multi-venue, multi-phase event, each phase consisting of two tests. Phase 1 will be held at the Hurlingham (4 lawns) and Roehampton (4 lawns) Clubs, Phase 2 will be held at Sussex County Croquet Club (seven lawns) and Phase 3 at Surbiton Croquet Club (seven lawns).
MacRobertson Shield 100th Celebration
This is the 101st year since the event was first held, and a Centenary Dinner will be held at the Roehamption Croquet Club on Tuesday 28th July 2026. The first test, England v Australia, was held at the Roehampton Club on 26 & 27 June 1925.
Tiers 2.1, 2.2 and 3
These tiers will take place at the Nottingham Croquet Club England, between 22nd July and 27th July 2025. For further information please visit: 2026 AC World Team Championship - Tiers 2.1, 2.2 and 3 - Nottingham, England.
Tier 1 timetable
Round 1: 24-28 July - will be held at the two London venues of Roehampton & Hurlingham
Round 2: 30 July -3 August at the Sussex County CC, near Brighton
Round 3: 5-9 August at Surbiton, London
Format: Regulations, equipment, hours of play, practice arrangements
Teams:
Four teams will compete: England (2022 Champions), Australia, New Zealand and USA.
Rules and Regulations:
Play will be in accordance with the 7th Edition of the WCF Laws of Association Croquet, the Official Rulings and the WCF Event Regulations (version 5.2), the WCF Sports Regulations (version 9.6) and the WCF Refereeing Regulations (version 1.6), or whichever are the latest versions on the Team Announcement date. If later versions are subsequently published, application of any relevant amendments will need to be approved by both Members and the host.
Additionally, the event will be played in accordance with the 2026 Specific Event Regulations which are currently in the process of being finalised by the WCF MacRobertson Shield Committee. These will be published on ths website once finalised.
Practice
Practice will be available at each venue prior to each test. Details to follow.
Opening Ceremony and Player Briefing:
Players’ Briefing: To be held at the Roehampton Club late afternoon on the day before the Phase 1 tests begin. The TD, TM and TR will outline specific event details and answer questions arising. The details will be distributed in advance of the briefing itself.
Opening Reception: To be held at the Roehampton Club early evening on the day before the Phase 1 tests begin. This will be a relatively low key, wine and nibbles event, where the visitors will be welcomed, team captains and/or managers will introduce their teams and formally announce their doubles pairings and singles orders for the Phase 1 tests, and formal objections will be raised and recorded.
Hours of play:
Players should be available to start play at 9.30 am each day.
Balls: To be confirmed
Hoops: Quadways.
Key Personnel
Tournament Director: Phil Cordingley
Tournament Manager: Mike Town
WCF Event Lead: Rosemary Landrebe
Croquet England Representative: Ian Lines
Useful Information - Socials, catering
Catering and Bar:
Lunches and teas will be provided for players, officials and some VIPs - details to follow.
Flags:
The relevant country flags will be flown at the clubs for the duration of the event.
Travel & Accommodation
Players, or their Member countries, will be responsible for the costs of accommodation and arranging travel to and from the club.
Further details on travel and accommodation options will be provided in due course.
News Items
Event Playing Regulations
The WCF MacRobertson Shield committee, comprising delegates from the four relevant Members, is in the process of agreeing the Specific Event Regulations for the 2026 Tier 1 AC WTC.
These will be published here once finalised.
Key Dates
Main Event Dates | ||
Team Lists Announcement Date | 24 April 2026 | This is the latest date by which Members should provide the names of the players in their teams. |
Team Entry Fees Due | 24 April 2026 | Members should have paid the team entry fee by this date. |
Player Info Due Date | 24 May 2026 | Players to complete their online Player Information. |
Team Seeding Date | 15 July 2026 | The teams will be seeded based on average grade of the top four players. |
Opening Ceremony | 23 July 2026 | Practice, Player Briefing and Opening Ceremony, before it starts next day. |
Travel Advice
Important Safety Tips for International Travel
Research Your Destination: Familiarise yourself with local customs, laws, and safety guidelines. Be aware of any travel advisories issued for your destination.
Ensure Visa Requirements Are Met: Confirm whether your destination requires a visa and ensure it's obtained before travel. Keep it with your travel documents and make digital copies for backup.
Secure Important Documents: Keep your passport, visa, and other travel documents in a safe place. Make digital copies in case of loss or theft.
Stay Connected: Inform friends or family of your travel itinerary and stay in touch regularly. Keep local emergency contact numbers handy.
Health Precautions: Stay up to date on vaccinations and carry any necessary medications. Pack a basic first aid kit for minor emergencies.
Be Vigilant with Valuables: Avoid displaying expensive items, and use lockable bags or hotel safes when possible.
Local Awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid isolated places at night.
Travel Insurance: ensure your policy includes sufficient cover.
Preparation is key to ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable trip.