Mr Purcell teamed up with New South Wales’ Gilgandra contractor, Racheal Hutchison, to represent Australia in a team of three engine shearers, two blade shearers and two wool handlers at the competition on the North Island.

In the lead up to the premier event, Mr Purcell became Australian champion having beaten Ms Hutchison, the reigning champion, at the Australian Open Wool Handling Title in Bendigo in November 2022.