Rosie Eccles and Daniel Salmon have been given the honour of leasing Team Wales at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, with the boxing and bowls champions named Flag Bearer and King’s Baton Bearer respectively.

Eccles, who struck gold in the ring at Birmingham 2022, will carry the Welsh flag into the OVO Hydro on Thursday evening, while defending Commonwealth bowls champion Salmon takes on baton-bearing duties as the nation makes its entrance.

The dual honour goes to two athletes who’ve long embodied what it means to compete for Wales.

Both were kept completely in the dark until Team Wales Chef de Mission Gethin Jones pulled off the reveal in person.

Eccles turned up thinking she was filming a chat about turning 30; Salmon believed he was simply posing for a squad photo. Neither had a clue what was coming.

For two of Wales’s most decorated competitors, it was a moment that hit hard: another landmark added to Commonwealth careers already stacked with achievement.

Eccles has been one of the standout names in Welsh boxing since her Birmingham 2022 triumph, continuing to fly the flag on the international circuit since.

Salmon, meanwhile, has cemented his place among the game’s elite bowlers, his Commonwealth title the product of sustained excellence over many years.

Thursday night, the pair will walk out together into the OVO Hydro as Glasgow 2026 officially kicks off, flag and baton in hand, in front of a watching world.

“Selecting our Opening Ceremony representatives is one of the greatest privileges of being Chef de Mission, and Rosie and Dan are thoroughly deserving of this honour,” Chef de Mission Gethin Jones said.

“They are exceptional talents, but more importantly, they are outstanding ambassadors for Welsh sport.

“Rosie has inspired so many through her achievements in the ring and her determination to wear the Welsh jersey with pride. She has an infectious personality that has a positive effect on everyone around her.

“Dan has shown incredible courage, resilience and sporting excellence throughout his career, hoping to add to his extraordinary run at the Commonwealth Games. He continues to be a role model for the next generation across Wales.”

“I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling, I was speechless and it’s not often that happens,” said Eccles.

“It is unreal, a huge honour. I feel so fiercely proud to represent Wales again anyway and have my shot at gold for the team.

“But then to carry the flag and lead some amazing athletes out, it doesn’t get much better than that.”

Eccles recalls watching Olympic cycling champion Geraint Thomas carry out the flag at Birmingham four years ago.

“I remember thinking how proud he must feel and never did I think that could be me in the following Games,” said Eccles.

“I’m taken aback that they’ve picked me.”

Salmon, from Cardiff, will compete in the men’s pairs bowls alongside Ross Owen, and is hoping for a third Games gold medal by defending the titles he won in 2018 and 2022.

“I just play bowls I guess that’s what is in my head, just going quietly about my business and trying to win medals for Wales,” added Salmon.

“That’s why I never thought this would have happened, but it’s quite amazing.”

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