One of Wales’ most decorated sportsmen has missed out on selection for what would have been a record setting ninth Commonwealth Games.

Robert Weale, from Presteigne, has won more medals than any other bowler at the Commonwealth Games but won’t be selected for the Welsh team for next year’s competition on Australia’s Gold Coast.

The 54-year-old revealed his disappointment on his @boobyweale Twitter account and announced his retirement from elite level competition.

The lawn bowler, who has been a fixture of every Welsh Commonwealth Games team since 1986, told The Brecon & Radnor Express: "I’m obviously disappointed not to be selected for the Gold Coast and what would have been my ninth Commonwealth Games, which would have been a record."

On Twitter the two-time gold medallist posted: "Obviously disappointed with the news earlier today that I haven’t made the squad nominated for selection for the Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast 2018. My heartiest congratulations go to Daniel Salmon, Ross Owen, Stephen Harris, Jonathan Tomlinson and Marc Wyatt. I that they’ll get the ratification that they fully deserve from the Commonwealth Games Committee of Wales. Onwards and upwards in the quest for medals lads.

"Given the above I guess that now is probably the right time to step down from competition at the elite international level. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time competing in the red shirt, playing with and against many of the greats of the game. More importantly many great friendships have been made along the way.

"I trust that I’ve set the bar high and given something for everyone to aim at."

Robert will continue to play for Wales in home international tournaments, if selected.

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