NZ shearers rule the world

New Zealand shearing champion Rowland Smith has cemented his reputation as one of the world's best shearers. Photo / Glenn Taylor

New Zealand shearing champion Rowland Smith has won the British Golden Shears open title at the Royal Bath and West Show in England.

The 24-year-old Hawke's Bay-based Northlander claimed the title at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, on Friday, a fortnight after winning the Devon County Open.

Smith's older brother, Matthew, finished in third-place behind Scotsman Hamish Mitchell.

The championships also provided a major triumph for recently upgraded Te Kuiti teenager Jack Fagan who claimed his first senior grade title, getting the family name onto an honours board which already featured father David Fagan won the British Golden Shears open title 12 times between 1986 and 2003.

David Fagan bowed out of this year's open event in the semi-finals.

Father and son then crossed the Irish Sea to contest the All Ireland Championships at Castlewarren in County Kilkenny, where both made the finals on Sunday David finishing in six place.

- NZPA