Meet The Team

The Australian Squad competing at the 2025 World Butcher Challenge in Paris, is made up of the Makani Australian Butcher Team who compete together as a team, plus the The iKONpack Young Australian Butcher Team, who all compete individually in the Young Butcher competition & the Apprentice competition. 

Makani Profile

THE MAKANI AUSTRALIAN BUTCHER TEAM

I am a very competitive person by nature, placing second in 2022 has really fuelled the fire to go one better this time around. 

Captain

Luke Leyson

Goodwood Quality Meats, SA

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I’ve always looked up to the guys that represented Australia for butchery. For myself, this a dream that come true. Australia deserves to be number 1 in the world and I want to be part of that journey. It means so much to me and my family. 

Breaker & Value Adder

Brett Laws

Pryde Meats, NSW

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I believe the WBC is the World Cup of meat. It involves meticulous planning, a great game plan and a lot teamwork in order to produce the best on the competition stage. I felt that I could contribute and I look forward to learning some things from the other members of the team. 

Breaker & Trimmer

Craig Munro

Munro’s Quality Meats, NSW

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Meet The Team

The Australian Squad competing at the 2025 World Butcher Challenge in Paris, is made up of the Makani Australian Butcher Team who compete together as a team, plus the The iKONpack Young Australian Butcher Team, who all compete individually in the Young Butcher competition & the Apprentice competition. 

Makani Profile

MAKANI AUSTRALIAN BUTCHER TEAM

Captain
Breaker & Trimmer

Luke Leyson

Goodwood Quality Meats, SA

BIO

Breaker & Value Adder
.

Brett Laws

Pryde Meats, NSW

BIO

Breaker & Trimmer

Craig Munro

Munro’s Quality Meats, NSW

BIO

Breaker & Trimmer

Garreth Gorringe

The Meat Boutique, NSW

BIO

Value Adder & Garnisher

Tom Bouchier

Peter Bouchier,
VIC

BIO
Troy Wheeler Profile Image

Value Adder

Troy Wheeler

Meatsmith,
VIC

BIO
Gary Thompson Profile Image

Breaker & Trimmer (reserve)

Gary Thompson

The Squealing Pig, QLD

BIO

I’m looking forward to representing my country and trade. I really want to be a part of showcasing butchery as an art form. 

Breaker & Trimmer

Garreth Gorringe

The Meat Boutique, NSW

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I have represented Australia as a member of the team in past WBC competitions, receiving 3rd and 2nd place. I was fortunate to receive a position on the All Star Team in Sacramento. I want to be in the team in 2025 as we go after the win in Paris. 1st place is ours for the taking!

Value Adder & Garnisher

Tom Bouchier

Peter Bouchier, VIC

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The format of the WBC emulates everything I love about being a butcher. The comradery, the creativity, and sense of achievement. The opportunity to learn and better myself being surrounded by like minded people, all working towards a common goal.

Value Adder

Troy Wheeler

Meatsmith, VIC

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2022 was a blast but this time around, with a lot more time and training leading up to Paris, I think what the team will produce in 2025 will be next level!

Breaker & Trimmer (reserve)

Gary Thompson

The Squealing Pig, QLD

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iKONpack

iKONpack YOUNG AUSTRALIAN BUTCHER TEAM

Young Butcher

Justin Wade

Meatsmith, VIC

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Young Butcher

Matthew Papandrea

Joe Papandrea Quality Meats, NSW

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Kai Dennis Profile Pic

Apprentice

Kai Dennis

La Carne Butchery, QLD

Jim McCaffrey Profile Pic

Apprentice

Jim McCaffrey

Ashburton Meats, VIC

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iKONpack

iKONpack
YOUNG AUSTRALIAN BUTCHER TEAM

Young Butcher

Justin
Wade

Meatsmith,
VIC

BIO

Young Butcher

Matthew Papandrea

Joe Papandrea Quality Meats, NSW

BIO
Kai Dennis Profile Pic

Apprentice

Kai Dennis

La Carne Butchery, QLD

Apprentice

Jim McCaffrey

Ashburton Meats, VIC

BIO