The countdown is on for one of the standout attractions of the summer as the Kronch Four Nations Gundog Competition returns to the GWCT Scottish Game Fair. Bringing together top handlers from across Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, the competition promises a fantastic showcase of skill, teamwork and exceptional dog work.

We are delighted to announce this year’s team captains—each highly respected within the gundog community and bringing a wealth of experience to their respective teams.

kronch Four Nations Gundog Competition 2026 Captains:

Representing Ireland is William Megaughin

Widely known as “Wee Willie.” William began training dogs in 1987 and quickly made his mark, winning his first trial in 1989 with his first bitch, Cardonaghy Lass, with whom he went on to collect over 30 awards. In 2002, he made up his first Field Trial Champion, Wyndhill Bee.

A familiar and successful figure in the competition, William has enjoyed great success as Captain in previous years and is looking forward to another year of close competition. Outside of training and trials, he enjoys spending time with his spaniels and the occasional fly fishing outing.

Leading Team England is Kevin Doughty

Kevin Doughty has been competing in gundog trials since 1984 when he won his first novice retriever trial. Since then, he has achieved significant success with Labradors and Golden Retrievers, winning over 36 trials and producing multiple FTCh dogs. His current open dog, FTCH Tideshot Vinny of Highseas, has qualified for the IGL Retriever Championship for three consecutive years, with hopes of making it a fourth this season.

Kevin has also enjoyed success with spaniels, representing England at Ragley Hall Game Fair. An A Panel judge since 1996, he has judged extensively across Europe, including the IGL Championships on three occasions. Alongside his roles as President of the Cambridgeshire Field Trial Society and Chairman of the Utility Gundog Society, Kevin runs his own training ground, Highseas in Suffolk, hosting working tests and charity events throughout the summer. This marks his first year as England Captain, having judged the competition last year, and he is looking forward to seeing top-class work and catching up with friends.

For Scotland, Robin Drysdale takes on the role of Captain

Robin Drysdale bringing nearly 20 years of competitive experience. A B Panel retriever judge with the UK Kennel Club, Robin has represented Scotland several times with two outstanding dogs—FTCH Denbank Khaki and FTCH Flagsdale Sweep. He has qualified for the IGL Retriever Championship on multiple occasions, most recently earning a Diploma of Merit in 2025.

A familiar face at Scone, Robin is often seen alongside his daughter, Samantha Boyle, the Scone Gundog Organiser. Away from the field, he enjoys both game and clay pigeon shooting.

Completing the line-up is Wales Captain Alan Rees

Alan Rees began working with retrievers in 1989 as a way to unwind from the pressures of being a high-ranking rugby referee. Since then, he has built an outstanding reputation both as a competitor and a judge.

An A Panel Kennel Club judge, Alan has made up seven Field Trial Champions and competed at the IGL Retriever Championship eight times, also judging at that level. He has represented Wales at more than 20 Home Internationals and competed numerous times in the World Cup at Highclere and Sherbourne, winning the event as part of the team on three occasions.

With such an accomplished group of captains at the helm, this year’s Kronch Four Nations Gundog Competition is set to be a highlight of the GWCT Scottish Game Fair. Spectators can expect an exciting display of talent, precision and true gundog excellence.

Stay tuned for more updates as we look ahead to an outstanding competition.

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