HISTORY OF THE HOME INTERNATIONALS

The Home International series started in 1969. Originally a one-off challenge match between England and Wales to celebrate the investiture of the Prince of Wales, the first match was held at the Afan Lido, Port Talbot, and the teams played for the Prince of Wales Shield.  England won that inaugural match 10-8. The Shield is still awarded to the winners of the Senior series.

An English HI Team - Can you name them?

As the years went by first, Scotland and then Northern and Republic of Ireland joined the series, which having been held as a home and away match between each country, eventually came together into a one venue festival which all countries attended.

An Irish HI Team

A Junior series and Ladies event were added over the years and more countries, Guernsey and Isle of Man sent teams. For the past five years an International Challenge event has been incorporated with invited teams, including France, Malta, Poland, Finland, Iceland and Holland, competing against the senior teams. A Ladies International Challenge has also introduced and regular teams include Poland, Finland, France, and Latvia make their debut in 2004. Also making their debut in 2004 will be a junior team from Qatar.

Guernsey in 2001

Pontins is the traditional home of the Home Internationals, but it has moved around over the years. For a period in the early nineties various countries hosted the event, but that wasn't an unqualified success and so the event is now firmly established as a major part of the Pontins Annual Calendar.

Polish Team

Many of today's household names started their international careers in the Home Internationals. Indeed from the early 1970s on, it was the only outlet for International selection apart from the IBSF World events. Players such as Terry Griffiths, Chris Small, Alan McManus, Mark Williams, Patrick Wallace, Eugene Hughes, Stephen Hendry, John Parrott, Ken Doherty and many more competed for their countries during their amateur careers.

England collect the Ladies and Juniors titles in 2000 and 2001

In the early days England and Wales dominated the senior series and England still have an aura of invincibility in the Juniors and Ladies events, although Scotland gave them a run for their money in both events in 2001 and Wales eventually wrested the Junior title from the English grasp in 2003.

Wales Juniors pick up the Junior title in 2003

Republic of Ireland have been the team to beat in recent years in the Seniors winning in 2000 and 2001. England regained the title in 2002 but no one came anywhere near a superb Scottish team in 2003.

2001 champions: Republic of Ireland

 © GCS 2007

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