Chris Davidge, a three-time Olympian and three-time winner of the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta's silver goblet, was chosen to lead the nation out at the Games' Opening Ceremony. 

He would go on to win the Games' coxless fours title a few days later. 

It was a Games debut for Team England's legendary lawn bowls man David Bryant, who marked the occasion by winning the first of his four Commonwealth singles titles.