The 1996 Men's World Outdoor Bowls Championship [1] was held at the Lockleys Bowls Club in Adelaide, Australia, from 18 to 31 March 1996.

The 1996 Women's World Outdoor Bowls Championship was held at Victoria Park, Leamington Spa, England from 3 to 18 August 1996.

[2] Section A Section B Section C Section D Finals Section A Section B Section C Section D Finals Section A Section B Section C Section D Finals Section A Section B Section C Section D Finals Section A Section B Bronze medal match Lindores bt Jones 25-4 Gold medal match Anderson bt Line 25-9 Section A Section B + Replacement Bronze medal match Fiji bt South Africa 28-17 Gold medal match Ireland bt Jersey 21-19 Section A Section B Bronze medal match Wales bt England 17-14 Gold medal match South Africa bt Australia 19-12 Section A + Replacement Section B Bronze medal match England bt New Zealand 24-21 Gold medal match Australia bt South Africa 18-15