Cambridge University Boat Club unveil crews to take on Oxford University Boat Club at this year’s Boat Race

There will be a fresh look to the two Cambridge University Boat Club crews that lock horns with old rivals Oxford University Boat Club during next month’s Boat Race (13 April).

Of the men’s and women’s line-ups that secured a memorable double victory on the famous stretch of the River Thames 12 months ago, only four (two in each boat) will be returnees.

For the men, this year’s president Luca Ferraro – a Boat Race winner in 2023 and 2024 – and Noam Mouelle experienced the high of last year.

The duo will be joined by Douwe de Graaf (stroke), James Robson, Gabriel Mahler, Tom Macky and Simon Hatcher (bow), while Hauxton-raised George Bourne has also been included in the Blue boat for the first time. Bourne spent many of his formative years as a rower honing his craft at the Isle of Ely Boat Club.

Former president Ollie Boyne will take up the position of cox, having previously carried out those duties on three previous occasions with reserve crew Goldie.

Meanwhile, Gemma King and Carys Earl will provide the know-how from 2024 in the women’s boat.

The remainder of the crew features Samy Morton (stroke), Tash Morrice, Claire Collins, Annie Wertheimer, Sophia Hahn and Katy Hempson (bow), with Jack Nicholas taking on the cox’s responsibilities.

Cambridge Women: Jack Nicholas (cox), Samy Morton (stroke), Tash Morrice, Claire Collins, Carys Earl, Annie Wertheimer, Sophia Hahn, Gemma King, Katy Hempson (bow).

Cambridge Men: Ollie Boyne (cox), Douwe de Graaf (stroke), Luca Ferraro, James Robson, George Bourne, Gabriel Mahler, Tom Macky, Noam Mouille, Simon Hatcher (bow).

Oxford Women: Daniel Orton (cox), Heidi Long (stroke), Kyra Delray, Annie Anezakis, Sarah Marshall, Alexia Lowe, Tessa Haining, Lilli Freischem, Sarah Polson (bow).

Oxford Men: Tobias Bernard (cox), Nico Kohl (stroke), Nick Rusher, Tom Mackintosh, Tass von Mueller, James Doran, Felix Rawlinson, Will O’Connell, Tom Sharrock (bow).

Clubs give support to London Rivers’ Pledge after last year’s controversy

Meanwhile, today’s Crew Announcement event at Battersea Power Station in London also saw the two clubs throw their support behind the London Rivers’ Pledge.

Testing of the water along the course from Putney to Mortlake last year revealed high levels of E. coli, which can cause a range of serious infections and other side-effects. Rowers were told not to enter or swallow the water, as well as to take other preventative measures, such as covering up scrapes with waterproof plasters. Heeding the warnings, the winning Cambridge women's team lifted their cox in the air, rather than throwing her into the water, as is traditional.

The Thames Tideway Tunnel is now fully connected, and already delivering huge benefits to the River Thames in terms of sewage reduction. The 25km long super sewer is designed to reduce sewage discharges by 95%, with the tidal flow of the river then progressively improving the water quality.

The 10-year partnership, led by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, demands further measures for the Thames and other waterways in the capital, expanding the installation of sustainable drainage systems, tackling sewer misconnections, and funding reedbeds and other solutions that naturally filter the water in London’s rivers.

The signing of the London Rivers’ Pledge comes in the same week that Sir Steve Redgrave called for urgent action to protect the river from pollution caused by sewage discharges.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “The annual Boat Race is an iconic event in London, shining a spotlight on the Thames. It’s vital that rowers can train and race on the river safely, and that everyone is able to access and enjoy our waterways.

“London’s rivers have been neglected for too long, and I’m pleased to be delivering funding and working with partners on an ambitious plan to clean them up and turn things around. We've made great progress in cleaning up our air in London, now we plan to do the same with our rivers. Together we can ensure our rivers are safer for all as we continue to build a greener, fairer, better London for everyone.”

Meanwhile, CUBC’s Gemma King added: “I am encouraged to see the Mayor taking action to bring together organisations, agencies and campaigners to clean up London waterways. As rowers, we all want to be safe to row on the Tideway and enjoy the sport that we love doing.”