The official crew announcements for the 2025 Boat Race between Cambridge and Oxford were made last night at London’s Battersea Power Station. The event, a prelude to the historic race scheduled for April 13, was overshadowed by recent disputes over rower eligibility.
Cambridge Men’s Crew:
- Cox: Ollie Boyne
- Stroke: Douwe de Graaf
- Luca Ferraro
- James Robson
- George Bourne
- Gabriel Mahler
- Tom Macky
- Noam Mouelle
- Bow: Simon Hatcher
Cambridge Women’s Crew:
- Cox: Jack Nicholas
- Stroke: Samantha Morton Van Eybergen
- Natasha Morrice
- Claire Collins
- Carys Earl
- Annie Wertheimer
- Sophia Hahn
- Gemma King
- Bow: Katy Hempson
Notably, both crews feature a mix of returning athletes and new talent, reflecting the depth and resilience of Cambridge’s rowing program.
Oxford Men’s Crew:
- Cox: Tobias Bernard
- Stroke: Nico Kohl
- Nick Rusher
- Tom Mackintosh
- Tass von Mueller
- James Doran
- Felix Rawlinson
- Will O’Connell
- Bow: Tom Sharrock
Oxford Women’s Crew:
- Cox: Daniel Orton
- Stroke: Heidi Long
- Kyra Delray
- Annie Anezakis
- Sarah Marshall
- Alexia Lowe
- Tessa Haining
- Lilli Freischem
- Bow: Sarah Polson
The Oxford crews also showcase a blend of experience and fresh talent, aiming to reclaim dominance in this year’s races.
Eligibility Dispute
The lead-up to the crew announcements was marred by controversy. Three Cambridge rowers—Matt Heywood, Molly Foxell, and cox Kate Crowley—were declared ineligible due to their enrollment in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) program. Oxford University Boat Club (OUBC) contested their eligibility, arguing that the PGCE is a diploma rather than a degree, a stance upheld by an independent arbitration panel.
This decision has sparked debate within the rowing community. Imogen Grant, an Olympic gold medalist and former Cambridge rower, criticized the move as an “insult to teachers everywhere” and labeled it a “desperate ploy” by Oxford. Cath Bishop, another Cambridge alumna and Olympic silver medalist, described the situation as “a new low in relations between Oxford and Cambridge boat clubs.”
In response, the Boat Race Company emphasized adherence to the independent panel’s ruling and urged both clubs to focus on the upcoming races.
Looking Ahead
Despite the off-water disputes, both Cambridge and Oxford are channeling their efforts toward the races on April 13. The women’s race is set to commence at 1:21 PM, followed by the men’s race at 2:21 PM. The event will be broadcast live on BBC One, allowing rowing enthusiasts worldwide to witness this enduring rivalry.
As the date approaches, the rowing community anticipates a thrilling competition, hopeful that the focus will return to the athletes’ prowess and the historic significance of the Boat Race.
