Nick Brett laughs when the nickname comes up.

Branded by some as the “Brad Pitt of bowls”, the Team England star, who has today been announced in the squad for Glasgow 2026 and went viral following the shot of a lifetime six years ago, is comfortable poking fun at himself.

“I’m not sure I’m the Brad Pitt of bowls,” he joked. “I’m probably more like the arm pit!”

Brett will forever be associated with his exploits in Great Yarmouth at the 2020 World Indoor Championships, a moment seen millions of times by people all around the world and one that introduced many outsiders to the sport and showcased the skill required to compete.

Ultimately, despite it changing Brett’s career irrevocably, the man from Peterborough has no regrets it was him who was at the centre of it all.

“I’m glad it happened for the game,” he said. “We need moments like that to get bowls noticed. If I’m remembered for anything, it’ll probably be that bowl, whether I win more medals or not. And that’s fine by me.”

The 52-year-old’s enthusiasm is unmistakable as he looks ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, particularly given the future of the event was in doubt when Victoria pulled out as hosts.

Brett was as relieved as anyone when Scotland’s largest city stepped in, having also hosted the Games in 2014, and knows the impact it can have on a sport he loves.

“It’s massively important that the Commonwealth Games still go ahead,” he continued. “Once something like this gets cancelled, it’s incredibly difficult to get it back on the calendar.

“For bowls especially, the Commonwealth Games is one of our major spectacles every four years. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved in keeping it alive. Glasgow will reap the benefits of hosting something so special, I’m sure.”

While England’s 14-strong bowls team will arrive in Glasgow with confidence, Brett is doing his best to keep his feet on the ground.  

Having won gold four years ago in the triples alongside Louis Ridout and Jamie Chestney and a bronze medal in the fours, Brett has high expectations, but he is also aware of the threat posed by the other competitors.

“We’re a strong country, but so is everyone else,” said Brett, who will compete in the pairs this summer with Jamie Walker.

“We won’t shy away from saying we want to bring medals back, but we also understand there are world-class players everywhere. With a bit of lady luck, you hope to be standing on the top step, but first and foremost we want to be in the hunt.”

This will be Brett’s second appearance at the Commonwealth Games after Birmingham 2022, but he is still equally as excited at the chance to once again represent his country on bowls’ biggest platform.

“International bowls on this stage doesn’t get any better,” he added.

“To make the team is something I’m absolutely over the moon about. England are a very strong country and there are players who could easily have been selected but weren’t. To be part of this squad, with the players we’ve got, is outstanding."