Northern Ireland World Championship Team

Graeme Davidson – Machine Shearer

Graeme Davidson, 33, is from Gleno, Co. Antrim, and works by trade as a mechanical engineer. Through years of graft and consistency, Graeme has earned his place on the world stage, finishing as a World Teams finalist in 2024 and becoming an eight-time Six Nations and international test team member. Each selection reflects his quiet determination and commitment to improving year on year. Now given the chance to represent Northern Ireland, Graeme is proud to pull on the jersey and test himself against the best in the world. He doesn’t take the opportunity lightly and is keen to show that the work done at home stands up at the highest level, doing right by the place and people he represents.

Alex Butler – Machine Shearer

Alex Butler, 26, is from Ballycastle. Alex works on his family-run farm in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, and spends the summer months shearing at home and over in New Zealand. Farming and shearing are all he’s ever known, and he’s lucky to make a living at it. Alex was the 2024 Antrim Open Champion and has taken part in numerous test matches for Northern Ireland over the years against France, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Being selected for the Northern Ireland World Championships team in his first Open season is a real honour and his biggest achievement to date. Alex is looking forward to getting up on stage, giving it his best, and learning along the way.

Rachel Murphy – Wool Handler

Rachel Murphy, 29, is from Shane’s Castle, Co. Antrim, where farming is part of everyday life and hard work comes as standard. Alongside working as a retail assistant, she remains heavily involved in farming at home. Rachel has proudly represented Northern Ireland on the world stage three times, with this year marking her fourth World Championships. She has been selected eight times for Six Nations teams and has competed across novice and open tests, winning the national title twice and the Open Woolhandling section on six occasions. This year is extra special as she represents Northern Ireland alongside her sister Ellen, something she is very proud of and hopes to do their wee country proud.

Ellen Murphy – Wool Handler

Ellen Murphy, 25, is from Shane’s Castle, Co. Antrim, where she was raised farming at home and developed a strong work ethic from an early age. Alongside farm work, she also worked in retail before travelling to New Zealand earlier this year to take part in their shearing season. Ellen has represented Northern Ireland as part of several 6 Nations Teams and Development Tests, most recently winning the Development Test at the Royal Highland Show 2025. She has enjoyed success in competition, winning the Open Woolhandling in France in 2023 and again at Clonmany Show in 2024. This year is especially meaningful as she represents Northern Ireland alongside her sister Rachel, an experience she is proud to share.

Chris Coulter – Blade Shearer

Chris is 34, from Ballyclare, and works as an engineer by trade, but farming and shearing are in his blood. He’s spent many a hard day on the land and a fair few good seconds on the board too. Chris has taken a few seconds at the Nation Blades at Balmoral, along with a few thirds in the Open Blades there, and this year he was proud to place third at the Royal Highland. It’s a big honour for Chris to represent his country. He always aims to do his best, enjoy the work, and meet people, especially those outside the shearing world.

Sam McConnell – Blade Shearer

Sam McConnell is 38 and from the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down. A farmer and shearer by trade, Sam is no stranger to hard work or competition. This will be his fourth World Championships representing Northern Ireland, a proud achievement built on years of dedication. He previously made the World Blade Shearing final in France, finishing a strong 6th. It feels great for Sam to once again represent his country and work hard alongside his teammates to do the best they can in New Zealand. He’s most looking forward to catching up with old friends from past championships and attending his first Goldies.