Richard Jones Machine Shearer Wales

Current World Individual Champion

How old are you now and how old were you when you started sheep shearing?

I’m 34 but will be 35 by the time of the World Championships I was about 16 when I first started shearing

How did you get into sheep shearing?

My dad used to shear and I started off going to help out with the wool before jumping on a stand

What countries have you shorn in? Wales, England, Norway, Switzerland and New Zealand

Who are your idols or who inspired/ inspires you?

I've always looked up to my Dad growing up and I’d say Hywel Jones inspired me to go further with my shearing

What gear do you use?

Lister

What is your best tally and where?

540 ewes in Wales

512 lambs in New Zealand

Best breed of sheep to shear? Mules

Are /were you a contractor and if so where / numbers of sheep / shearers?

I am a contractor employing 3 shearers in North Wales

Best music/ song to shear to Dire Straits

What was your first shearing competition and when?

Corwyn Shears many moons ago!

Do you get nervous and if so how do you deal with nerves?

Im lucky enough I don't suffer too much with nerves. Only on the bigger occasions.

What competitions/ titles have you won?

World Champion 2019 and Open Final France 2019, five times Champion Shearer of Wales, Open - Royal Welsh Show, Bath & West show twice and the Three Counties three times, Proudest moments?

Winning the World Champs & winning the Champion Shearer of Wales for the first time

Who have been your biggest rivals over the years and who is your biggest threat at the World Champs?

I don't believe there is the biggest rival as such, there are many shearers going to the World champs that are capable of winning.

Are you farming and if so where? What? Acreage? Details please. Yes farming sheep and beef on the family farm in North Wales

Advice to young shearers?

Go on courses, ask and also listen to advice, travel to New Zealand and other countries to gain the experience