Annual Interstate Tournament
NATIONAL CARNIVAL
NATIONAL CARNIVAL
The National RSL Lawn Bowls Carnival is the principal interstate RSL Bowls event that is held annually. Starting in 1961 as a competition between Victoria and New South Wales, it is now a national competition with six states participating. The Carnival is hosted on a rotational basis across the six participating states.
Eligible players must be current and ex service personnel with financial RSL service membership and members of their respective Bowls Australia states. Victorian selection Trials are held around September each year.
Each Carnival Comprises of three separate competitions:
Jack Hamilton VC Trophy
The interstate Test Series for this trophy is played on a Round Robin format, with each state competing against every other state. A side consists of five teams of four, with two reserves. Aggregate scores deciding each match winner.
First played in 1961 between Victoria and New South Wales. Miranda RSL Bowls Club in NSW donated a trophy in honour of Private John Patrick Hamilton VC who was a member of that Sub-Branch.
Jack Hamilton VC Trophy
The interstate Test Series for this trophy is played on a Round Robin format, with each state competing against every other state. A side consists of five teams of four, with two reserves. Aggregate scores deciding each match winner.
First played in 1961 between Victoria and New South Wales. Miranda RSL Bowls Club in NSW donated a trophy in honour of Private John Patrick Hamilton VC who was a member of that Sub-Branch.
Dr Sydney Krantz Memorial
This competition is challenged between Executive Fours of each state to add incentive for these games. It honours the late Dr. Sydney Krantz, a Major in 4 CCS, who provided exceptional service as a POW of the Japanese and was a revered friend to all service personnel during and after the war. It is played for in conjunction with the Jack Hamilton V.C. Trophy.
The trophy was donated by Mr. Gordon Bennett, a former POW, a member of West Croydon & Kilkenny RSL and a strong supporter of the RSL Bowls Association of South Australia.
Dr Sydney Krantz Memorial
This competition is challenged between Executive Fours of each state to add incentive for these games. It honours the late Dr. Sydney Krantz, a Major in 4 CCS, who provided exceptional service as a POW of the Japanese and was a revered friend to all service personnel during and after the war. It is played for in conjunction with the Jack Hamilton V.C. Trophy.
The trophy was donated by Mr. Gordon Bennett, a former POW, a member of West Croydon & Kilkenny RSL and a strong supporter of the RSL Bowls Association of South Australia.
Sir Arthur Lee National Fours Championship
The Sir Arthur Lee, National Fours Championship is an individual team event where RSL Service players from each state self-select their teams. Sir Arthur J. Lee had a distinguished military career, enlisting in 1940 and serving with distinction in the Syrian and New Guinea Campaigns, earning a Military Cross and a Bar to his Military Cross. Post-military, he was deeply involved with the RSL, serving as Vice President and President of the South Australia State Branch, and as Deputy National President before becoming National President of the Returned & Services League of Australia from 1960 to 1974. He was awarded the CBE in 1959 and the KBE in 1966, and Life Membership of the League in 1963.
Watch the 2026 tournament on Victorian RSL Bowls YouTube Channel
Carnival information is also available at RSL Australia