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Shearer Smith Eyes World Championship Glory

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. shearer-smith-eyes-world-championship-glory.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 20:23 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
      Locales: Manawatu-Whanganui, Hawke's Bay, NEW ZEALAND

Central North Island, New Zealand - February 9th, 2026 - Shearer Rowland Smith is honing his skills and preparing to represent New Zealand on the world stage at the upcoming World Shearboard Championships. A veteran of the shearing industry, Smith spoke with The Country's Rowena Orejana about his intense training regime, his deep connection to the art of shearing, and the significant evolution of the practice over the decades. The championships promise a thrilling display of speed, precision, and endurance, and all eyes are on Smith as a potential contender.

For Smith, shearing isn't merely a job; it's a deeply ingrained passion that began at the age of 16. Now based in the central North Island, he has dedicated years to mastering the craft, building a reputation for both skill and dedication. But the path to international competition isn't the same for all types of shearing, and Smith highlighted a critical distinction: the difference between shearing live sheep and competing on the shearboard.

"It's a different game altogether," Smith explained. "Shearing a sheep is about efficiency and animal welfare - getting the fleece off cleanly and quickly while minimizing stress to the animal. The shearboard, however, is a pure test of speed and stamina. You're working at an entirely different intensity, pushing yourself to the absolute limit."

This distinction is key to understanding Smith's training regimen. While traditional shearing practice focuses on technique and consistency, shearboard training is a relentless pursuit of velocity. He describes a program centered around high-intensity interval training, building muscle endurance in the arms, shoulders, and back - the core muscle groups essential for maintaining the rapid, repetitive movements required on the board. He also emphasizes the importance of grip strength and hand-eye coordination, which are crucial for manipulating the handpiece at breakneck speeds.

Beyond the physical demands, Smith stresses the mental fortitude required to compete at the World Championships. The pressure to perform under scrutiny, the fatigue that sets in during extended shearing runs, and the sheer intensity of the competition all demand a steely focus. He incorporates mindfulness techniques into his training to help him stay calm and centered, enabling him to maintain his rhythm and accuracy even when pushed to his limits.

The conversation also touched upon the significant changes within the shearing industry itself. Smith reflected on how shearing techniques and equipment have evolved over the years. Modern handpieces are lighter and more powerful than their predecessors, allowing shearers to work faster and more efficiently. However, these advancements have also placed greater emphasis on precision and control. "You have to be more mindful of blade pressure and angle to avoid damaging the fleece," Smith noted. "The quality of the wool is still paramount, even in a speed shearing context."

He also discussed the increasing focus on animal welfare standards and the implementation of best practices to ensure the humane treatment of sheep. Modern shearers are now trained in techniques to minimize stress to the animals, and there is a growing awareness of the importance of regular breaks and appropriate working conditions.

Looking ahead, Smith believes that the future of shearing lies in a balance between tradition and innovation. While embracing new technologies and techniques is important, he emphasizes the need to preserve the skills and knowledge passed down through generations of shearers. "It's about respecting the animal, respecting the wool, and respecting the craft," he said.

As he prepares for the World Shearboard Championships, Shearer Rowland Smith embodies this philosophy. He represents not only his own dedication and skill but also the rich heritage of shearing in New Zealand. The competition promises to be a spectacle of athleticism and artistry, and Smith is ready to demonstrate the very best of what the sport has to offer. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can bring home the gold and further cement New Zealand's dominance in the world of competitive shearing.

His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to mastering a demanding and evolving craft. He hopes his efforts will inspire a new generation to take up the shears and continue the tradition for years to come.