Teams (MacRobertson Shield)

Samir has been playing croquet since taking up the sport in the late-nineties at Oxford University.
Now a member of Surbiton Croquet Club, he has won the Club Championship for both Association and Golf Croquet, and has won the Inter-Club Championship in both codes. He has been as high as fourth in the AC world rankings. Samir is Chair of the Croquet Association Council, and was a member of the WCF Management Committee from 2015 to 2024.
Tournament successes include the President's Cup (2013, 2022, 2024), Open Doubles Championship (2017, 2019, 2021, 2024) and Championship of Surrey (2010, 2014). He has also reached the final of the British Opens (2008, 2013, 2016, 2024) and Quarter Finals of the World Championship (2012, 2016, 2018).
He has regularly represented both England and Great Britain since 2007. He has captained the Solomon Trophy team since 2013, and the MacRobertson Shield team in 2014, 2017 and 2022, the latter his first MacRobertson-winning appearance.

Playing at the top level for close to 40years, representing the country in 5 MacRobertson Shields winning 4 of them, the 2022 MacRobertson being the latest one. He is the youngest winner of the Open Championship in 1987, world finalist in first World Championship and various regional championships. He was the Presidents Cup winner in 2021 and four times open doubles champion in both England and New Zealand.

Jamie Burch is from Reigate Croquet Club in Surrey, England. A painter & decorator by trade, he is a busy family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. He still finds enough time for croquet and darts - his winter sport.

James Death is one of the most talented players in the world. His fluent style and unusual grip make him a "must-see" for spectators. James has previously won the prestigious Presidents Cup, twice been the UK Mens Champion, twice been Open doubles champion, and been a semi-finalist in the 2005 World Championships. James lives in Cheltenham where he is Croquet England's office manager. James enjoys eating, drinking and computer games.

Robert is one of the most successful players in the history of the game. He has won the World Championship a record six times and has been part of a winning British MacRobertson Shield team on an unprecedented seven occasions (twice as Captain). Other achievements include winning the British Open 11 times, the President's Cup 12 times, the British Open Doubles 10 times with Chris Clarke and twice with James Death. Robert loves tactics, employing a wider range than other top players.
Robert was born in 1969 and started playing aged 15 at the Colchester Club. Robert, his wife Susan and their two daughters live in Hawkhurst, Kent.

Ben has won the British Open (Singles 2016; Doubles 2x), USCA Nationals (Singles 2x, Doubles 5x), Irish Championships, US Open, North American Open, North Carolina Open.
His representative appearances have been for the World Championships, Solomon Team, Carter Team.
His favourite croquet moments are Jeff Soo pegging out to win the 2009 Solomon and Blake Fields securing the Openshaw Shield.
His Uncle, Larry Stettner taught him to play after watching him play the San Francisco Open in 1993. By 1995 I he was playing in the Claremont Classic, a 9-wicket tournament on a nice lawn in SW Harbor, Maine.
The MacRob is as close as we come to an Olympic tradition with the top countries competing every 4 years and a history of over 100 years. It is an honor to be included and it would be the pinnacle of achievement to win.

He has been 2x doubles GC National Champion, 1x AC doubles National Champion, 2x Solomon team representative.
Has favourite Croquet moment is winning the National Championships partnering with my father, and being part of the winning Solomon team.
In 2020 I had already taken over teaching tennis for my father and he decided to retire from the croquet program so I started playing to take over that program as well at our club.
What the Mac means to me: It’s an opportunity to represent my country and be a part of a team competing against the best in the world.

Zack was born in Virginia and grew up on the tennis court eventually playing on the professional circuit. He took up croquet in 2013 and quickly climbed the ranks playing his first team event in 2019 in the Solomon Trophy Cup. In his 3 Solomon Trophy events he is currently undefeated in team play. He has won multiple US National doubles titles and was runner up in 4 US National singles events. Balancing things out he has recently climbed in the GC ranks as well to #30 in the world. This will be his second MAC appearance.
He has won 2 time US national doubles titles, 4 x US National runner up, 2026 Steuber Classic representative, 3x Solomon Cup team, 2x world championships.
His favourite croquet moment was in 2019 when he played AC doubles with his father in the nationals who knew absolutely nothing about the game. They won the first round and had more fun together. A moment he will treasure forever.
This year I believe for the first time in history that all 4 teams have a chance of winning the event. I am so excited to once again participate along with my countrymen to try and bring home the shield. 

He has appeared in one MacRobertson Shield prior to this; the 2022 event in Melbourne. He has been the WCF AC World Champion Bronze Medalist, 3 x AC National Champion, 1 in singles, 2 in doubles. 
His favorite Croquet Moment was winning the Openshaw Shield with the US Team last year. 
He took up croquet 8 years ago in college, his school plays a backyard croquet match against the US Naval Academy, and he learned the basics there before seeking out tournaments. The Mac has a special place in his croquet career, it was his first outing with the US team, and the first time ever playing internationally. It was admittedly a spectacular failure, but it drew the road map that he needed to develop to the next level as a player. He wouldn't be where he is now without that experience.

He has appeared in the three time (1 time as captain)>
His major titles won are: 2 x AC Worlds Runner Up, 6 x AC National Champion (3 doubles/3 singles)
His favourite moment was playing doubles with his grandfather for 5 years from ages 6-11.
He took up the game in 2001 when his grandparents, Dad and Danny Hunneycutt introduced me to the game. I was 3 years old and started playing tournaments when I was 6.
The Mac is the pinnacle of croquet with a 3 week grind where you are playing a top 50 player in the world every single day. He thinks it is the ultimate test of a players ability to play well consistently over 21 days.