A HUGE Boat Race row has broken out with “slimy” Oxford accused of getting Cambridge rowers banned.
The annual spectacle between the historic universities on the River Thames takes place on April 13.
A bitter feud between Oxford and Cambridge has erupted before the 2025 Boat Race[/caption]
Oxford deemed three Cambridge PGCE students from competing[/caption]
But with just weeks to go until the 2025 races, the major feud was sparked by the shock decision to block three Cambridge rowers from competing.
Matt Heywood, Molly Foxell and cox Kate Cowley were all set to represent the light blues next month.
However, post-graduate teacher training students have been ruled ineligible to compete in the men’s and women’s races at the 11th hour.
And the decision prompted a furious reaction from Cambridge as they blasted their “desperate” rivals Oxford, who have lost the last seven women’s races and five of the last six on the men’s side.
Former Cambridge Blue and Paris 2024 Olympic champion Imogen Grant fumed: “Oxford have barred PGCE students this year from racing the Boat Race.
“As you can imagine, I’m seething. This is an insult to teachers everywhere and a desperate ploy from Oxford to gain an upper hand in the most slimy way.
“I don’t believe this reflects on the current Oxford squad, who have also had to train among this uncertainty all year.
“I believe this is entirely down to select individuals amongst the alumni who have a narrow, outdated view of who rows boat races.”
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Cath Bishop, who got a silver at Athens 2004 and went to Cambridge, added: “Utter madness in the Boat Race world… and a new low in relations between Oxford and Cambridge boat clubs.
“A crying shame for any student who has trained their heart out to be a pawn in the petty disputes that the clubs consistently fight in order to get one up on each other.
“The best students should race to create the fastest boats and fight it out on the water.”
It is thought the decision is an attempt to prevent clubs from drafting in elite-level ringers.
But top-class rowers competing in the Boat Race is a common occurrence – such as James Cracknell in 2019 aged 46 – as long as athletes are studying for a “degree-level qualification”.
Heywood won the Under-23s men’s eight world title in 2022 and a silver medal at the World Rowing Championships in the same year.
Heartbroken Heywood wrote on Instagram: “I began this year with the genuine and legitimate aim of competing in the 2025 Boat Races based on precedent as recent as last year that PGCE students have raced for both clubs.
“OUBC challenged the eligibility of PGCE students this year and the subsequent decision has ruled myself and two other athletes ineligible.
“It’s safe to say that this decision doesn’t align with any values of sportsmanship or race spirit that I have known in rowing, and that I feel disheartened by the wider implications of this decision on my future vocation.
PEEVED-GCE
“I applied to the PGCE because I am passionate about inspiring and supporting young people. I want to be a teacher. I’m excited to start that career in September and am looking forward to what the future holds.
“This was meant to be my last race. 15-year-old me, who grew up by the Thames and learned to row at his local club, could never have dreamed of how fortunate he would be to experience some incredible moments thanks to this sport. It’s a shame it’s ending this way, but I have a lot to be grateful for.
“To the current squads at CUBC, thank you for your unwavering support. It has blown me away.
“We, as a team, can hold our heads high, continue to have fun, and leave any competition to where it belongs, on the water. You are all epic people and Kate, Molly and I will be behind you on the day whatever happens.”
Annamarie Phelps, chair of the Cambridge University Boat Club and another former Olympian, hit out at the controversial and “deeply disappointing” call – and insisted it was degrading those studying to become teachers.
She told The Telegraph: “There is no question academically about the standing of the PGCE course, which is highly valued and operates at a postgraduate level.
“This decision comes despite the University’s advice on the PGCE’s standing and despite the precedent set by PGCE students from both Oxford and Cambridge being allowed to race in preceding years.
Cambridge have dominated the men’s and women’s Boat Races in recent years[/caption]
James Cracknell helped Cambridge win in 2019 aged 46[/caption]
“Following the Boat Race this year, it is in everyone’s interest for the two clubs to sit down and agree the eligibility criteria for future races.
“The club is supporting affected athletes through this difficult time and is considering ways to honour their achievements.”
The Boat Race Company who oversee the prestigious event said: “We sympathise with any athlete disappointed with the crew selection for The Boat Race.
“This is an extremely competitive process and there are strict (publicly available) eligibility criteria for being considered for a place in a crew.
“Those criteria are jointly agreed by the two competing Clubs, with no involvement from The Boat Race Company Limited (BRCL) or any third party.
“Similarly, both Clubs agree to the existence and ultimate authority of an independent Interpretation Panel to provide rulings on any disputes, or to clarify rules where necessary.
“The Clubs are signatories to a Joint Agreement and agree to be bound by a ruling of the Interpretation Panel with no further recourse.
“We hope that any decision of the Interpretation Panel (IP) is respected and accepted, and not debated publicly, particularly since the IP’s remit was agreed by the Clubs. The Panel is made up of a Chair, two representatives from both clubs and two academics.
“We look forward to the clubs racing on Sunday 13 April where the intense rivalry is best seen on the water.”
SunSport has contacted the Oxford University Boat Club for comment.
The crews for the 2025 Boat Race will be announced at Battersea Power Station on March 26.
