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Petanque Australia Newsletter - March 2026

Welcome to the monthly Newsletter of Petanque Australia, the governing body for petanque in Australia.

President's Update

This month’s highlight was undoubtedly the very successful 2026 Trans-Tasman Challenge held at the Mt Martha Club on the picturesque Victorian Mornington Peninsula. The venue was exceptional, the competition was fierce, and true to tradition with our Kiwi rivals, the event was played in great spirit.

Bragging rights now belong to the ‘Bouleroos’, as both cups are proudly displayed at the Mt Martha Bowls & Pétanque Club. For more details and images, see later in the newsletter or visit: https://www.facebook.com/PetanqueAustralia

Umpiring update: Pete Beaumont has recently resigned as Chair of the Umpiring Commission due to family health responsibilities. Brett Williams, the current SA Umpiring Manager, will be commencing as Chair on the 7th of April. We thank Pete for his dedicated contribution to Australian pétanque umpiring and welcome Brett into his new role.

The best of luck to all competitors at the 2026 National Championships, being held in Adelaide early in April.

Have a great Easter and keep enjoying your pétanque,

Regards,
Roger Maddern
President
Email: president@petanqueaustralia.org.au

Trans Tasman Victory - 2026

Trans Tasman Final Results - 2026

2026 𝖳𝖱𝖠𝖭𝖲 𝖳𝖠𝖲𝖬𝖠𝖭 – 𝖠𝖴𝖲𝖳𝖱𝖠𝖫𝖨𝖠 𝖣𝖮𝖬𝖨𝖭𝖠𝖳𝖤𝖲 𝖳𝖧𝖤 𝖮𝖯𝖤𝖭 𝖣𝖨𝖵𝖨𝖲𝖨𝖮𝖭

Australia delivered a commanding performance in the Open Division, setting the tone early and never looking back! In a clinical display across the rounds, the Bouleroos proved too strong, overpowering the Kiwis with consistency, precision, and depth. A dominant showing on the big stage. Australia in control from start to finish!

2026 𝖳𝖱𝖠𝖭𝖲 𝖳𝖠𝖲𝖬𝖠𝖭 – 𝖠𝖴𝖲𝖳𝖱𝖠𝖫𝖨𝖠 𝖳𝖠𝖪𝖤𝖲 𝖮𝖴𝖳 𝖳𝖧𝖤 60+ 𝖣𝖨𝖵𝖨𝖲𝖨𝖮𝖭

After a tightly contested opening few rounds, Australia found another gear and surged home to claim the 60+ Division title! The Bouleroos stood tall when it mattered most, overcoming the Kiwis in a hard-fought battle across the rounds. A fantastic result and a great display of competitive spirit on both sides of the ditch!

Australia gets it done.

National Championships - 2026

We have a full program of events at this year's National Championships, commencing at 8:00 am on Thursday, 2 April and concluding on the afternoon of Monday, 6 April.

IN SUMMARY

Singles - Thursday, 2 April 2026

Mixed Doubles - Friday, 3 April 2026

Doubles - Commencing Saturday, 4 April 2026 and Concluding Sunday, 5 April 2026

Triples - Commencing Sunday, 5 April 2026 and Concluding on Monday, 6 April 2026

The full details can be found in the Conditions of Play - HERE.

Some History

The National Championships have been conducted since 1988, just after the formation of the then Petanque Australia Federation.

The list below is gathered from advice from some in the sector who can remember where championships were held. If you have any information to add to this, please send it in.

PA National Championship Venues

PA Player Licence Bonus Time is coming

Once Easter is over, it's that time again when licence fees are waived for new players at clubs.

Simply submit your licence application as usual.

Starting July 1st, your newly licensed players can choose to renew their licence just like any returning players, allowing them to experience all the benefits of a PA Players Licence—insurance coverage, discount at the PA shop, participation in tournaments, state league competitions, and much more.

‘Mind of Steel in Pétanque’ - Book overview

We recently received a note from one of our Licensed Players after she had read a book called ´Mind of Steel in Petanque’.

She said it was a very practical book, originally written in French and recently translated into English and also commented that, as petanque players, we often practice technique and strategy, but in the end it’s our mind/concentration/focus/feelings that lead us not to play as well as we can.

We thought the book might be of interest to other Australian petanque players and have shared an overview below.

"MIND of STEEL in Pétanque: Strengthen your mind, transform your game

Pétanque is played with your arm, but games are won above all with your head. Every boule is a test: staying focused, remaining confident, managing stress, and bouncing back after a mistake. This is what distinguishes an average player from a top one. ‘Mind of Steel in Pétanque’ is a game-changer - your guide to developing that elusive “extra edge” that transforms a good player into a great one.

Inside, you will discover:

- How to stay focused from the first throw to the end of the game.
- Simple methods to handle pressure and master stress.
- The secrets to boosting confidence and creating inner calm.
- Practical exercises to turn your mind into an ally.
- How to play as a team with mutual support and inclusion.

This book is not complicated theory. It is a clear, practical, and accessible manual, designed to guide you step by step toward greater calm, consistency, and confidence. Whether you are a top player, an enthusiastic club competitor or a passionate social player, this book is your secret weapon for raising your game and enjoying it even more. With a ‘Mind of Steel, every throw becomes an opportunity—and every game, a renewed pleasure."