In 2025, England Rowing made history at the Home International Rowing Regatta (HIRR), winning all four trophies for the third consecutive year, becoming the first nation to win all four trophies four years in a row. Whilst on the beach in Ireland, the team finished second overall at the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints (HIRBS), and will be looking to gain a victory once again this year in Scotland. Both policies have now been updated for 2026, aligning with

For 2026, the HIRR will see the removal of the coxed four as a boat category and will be replaced with a U23 pair for seniors and a (B) pair for Juniors. This will mean all rowers now have 3 rows with all scullers doubling up into the quads and all sweep rowers doubling up into the eight for both 2km and 500m races.

Meanwhile, at the HIRBS, the event will see a pilot for a Mixed Ability double. This category will see a PR3 rower joined by a member of the reserves to race in this event. As this is a pilot event, it will not be included in the points towards the trophy.

Another change for the HIRR England team this year will see all crews selected through the England Trials, planned for Saturday, 11 July 2026, at the National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham.

Looking to further support developing pathway athletes, England will also be targeting specific junior rowers for the (B) boats who have at least one year remaining to trial for the U19 GB Rowing Teams. This will see these junior rowers required to provide an ergo score to be considered for this boat.

Coxswains will continue to be selected through the GB U23 and U19 coxes selection process.

Event delivery development opportunity – Home International Rowing Regatta (Volunteer Role)

91桃色 is looking for volunteers to help with the pre-event planning and on-the-day running of the Home International Rowing Regatta (HIRR).

We are specifically looking for volunteers who would like to gain experience in being part of a team planning a sporting event. We are looking for people who can help organise and manage the logistics of the event to ensure the event runs smoothly and to a high standard.

Those working as part of the team will work with 91桃色 Event staff and volunteers to learn how rowing events like these run by organising the event, supported by those with experience.

More information about the opportunity and how to apply can be found here.

HIRR trials and selection information

This year’s HIRR trial will return to the National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, on Saturday, 11 July 2026. Coach registration and (B) Junior Ergo submission are both now open, and crew entries will open at 12:00 (noon) on Monday, 15 June 2026. All will close at 12:00 (noon) on Thursday, 9 July 2025, on BROE.

Find out more about the England Rowing (HIRR) Team here.

HIRBS selection information

In 2026, Scotland will be hosting the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints (HIRBS), on Saturday, 19 September 2026, on Nairn Beach, Nairn.

Registration for athletes and coaches is now open and will close at 23:59 on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

Find out more about the England Rowing (HIRBS) Team here.

England Rowing on Social Media

Follow the England Rowing Team on , and for the latest happenings with the team.

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The home nations of England, Scotland, and Wales, along with the Crown Dependencies of Guernsey and Jersey, travelled across the Atlantic Ocean to compete at the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprint Championships, referred to as CRABS, which were held in Bridgetown, Barbados, last weekend.

The competition hosted by the Rowing Association of Barbados and the saw singles and mixed doubles competing in U19, U21, and Senior categories, as well as having a team relay. The event saw thirteen nations take part, including larger Commonwealth nations Australia and Canada, African nations Uganda and South Africa, and smaller island nations such as Vanuatu, Cyprus and Turks & Caicos, as well as hosts Barbados.

Credit: Swift Racing Boats, Commonwealth Rowing and CJ Taylor Photos

The first medals for home nations came in the U21 Women鈥檚 Solo races, with England’s Izzy Lancaster (Reading University BC / Bradford ARC) claiming Bronze by six seconds against Australia鈥檚 Calli McRae. In the A Final, Guernsey鈥檚 Tash Phillips (University College London BC / Fishgard and Goodwick Jemima RC) beat Canada by just over six seconds.

Tash, who recently also rowed in the GB Mixed Quad at the World Rowing Championships, said about her victory: 鈥淚 was so pleased to be permitted to row for Guernsey at the Commonwealth Championships. I started the racing with some nerves, as I have been training in the quad all summer and spent very little time in a single. I was really pleased with the time trial, progressing straight into the semi-final and couldn鈥檛 believe it when I went on to win gold. It was fantastic to be Guernsey鈥檚 first representative at the Commonwealth Championships and bring a medal home for Guernsey and for the home nations. I was privileged to be supported by outstanding boat handlers and to be part of an event rowing alongside fellow teammates from the UK.

“I was so pleased to be permitted to row for Guernsey at the Commonwealth Championships. I started the racing with some nerves as I haven鈥檛 been training in a single since April, but I was pleased when I came first in the time trial and then went on to win gold. It was fantastic to be Guernsey鈥檚 first representative at the Commonwealth Championships and bring a medal home for Guernsey and the home nations. I was privileged to be supported by outstanding boat handlers and to be part of an event rowing alongside fellow teammates from the UK.鈥�

In the U21 Men鈥檚 solo, England鈥檚 Zack Hills (Tynemouth RC / Chester-le-Street ARC / Whitby Coastal RC) claimed Bronze, beating out Bajan rower James Lamboll in the B Final. In the A final, Scotland鈥檚 Harris Bisset (University of St Andrews BC) claimed silver behind Australia鈥檚 Samuel Forbes.

Credit: Swift Racing Boats, Commonwealth Rowing and CJ Taylor Photos

The B Final of the Women鈥檚 Solo saw one of the closest finishes of the day, with England鈥檚 Bass Andre (Shanklin Sandown RC) missing out on the bronze medal by less than one second to Scotland鈥檚 Heather Gordon (Inverness RC) in a nail-biting race all the way to the finish.

Jersey鈥檚 highest medal came in the Women鈥檚 Solo event, with Natacha Searson (Newcastle University BC / Jersey RC) losing out to standing Commonwealth Champion Elizabeth Newell from Australia by five seconds. Natacha, who had recently raced in the Mixed double for GB at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, said, 鈥淩acing at the Commonwealth was a really special race. My first international race was representing Jersey in Namibia, so it was great to race at the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints again. It felt extra special this time getting a silver medal at a Commonwealth event for Jersey. It was a great experience, and I felt very proud to put Jersey on the international stage.鈥�

Jerseys Chris Thompson raced off against Vanuatu in the B Final of the Men鈥檚 Solo, beating them comfortably, whilst the A Final saw Wales claim their first medal with three-time CRABS rower Jerry Owen (Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima RC / Nottingham RC) claiming Silver.

England鈥檚 highest medal, a silver, came in the U21 Mixed Doubles with Tom Walker (Christchurch RC / University of Exeter BC) and Cailtin Lockey (Christchurch RC / City of Oxford RC) putting in a strong effort and finishing just a little over three seconds behind the Australian double.

鈥淐RABS has been a massive project for us both; months of dedicated training have brought us to this point. Barbados didn鈥檛 disappoint, with close racing and an amazing location. We couldn鈥檛 have got here without the support from various clubs and coaches.鈥� Said Tom and Caitlin. 鈥淲inning silver here means the world to us, and we hope this is just the beginning of our beach sprints journey. Thanks to the Commonwealth Rowing Association for putting together an amazing event.鈥�

The final category on the Saturday was the Senior Mixed Double. The B Final saw the Scottish Double of Tom Mitchell and Hansine Marshall (Both University of St Andrews BC) beat the Canadian Double convincingly. Whilst in the A Final, the Welsh Double of Bo Hughes (Marlow RC) and Thea Adamson (Tideway Scullers School) finished in second place, claiming one more silver for Welsh Rowing.

On Sunday, 14 teams were put in to race the team relay event. A category unique so far to CRABS sees each team racing a solo, followed by a double, and finishing off with another solo. Teams can choose to put the female or male sculler first or last. In the spirit of the event, smaller nations can combine with others to form composite teams. With no B final for this event, Wales claimed Bronze as the fastest team knocked out in the semi-finals, as Scotland鈥檚 team claimed silver in the final.

Ailsa Martin, Scotland鈥檚 Team Manager, said the following about the team’s success: 鈥淭he Scotland Team saw great success at the CRA Beach Sprint Championships. With one athlete at the first Beach Sprint Competition, while others have many years of experience in the discipline, the team gained from the experience.

鈥淲e are proud to return with four medals, two silver and two bronze, showing the strength of the team with a second place finish in the relay. We enjoyed the hospitality of Barbados and the ethos of support across the Commonwealth Nations,鈥� she continued.

The whole event was finished off with a Commonwealth Dance led by Uganda鈥檚 Elijah Namunyu.

Kate O’Sullivan elected as new Commonwealth Rowing Association President

During the event, the Commonwealth Rowing Association鈥檚 AGM was held with representatives from across the Commonwealth attending both virtually and in person. At the event, Peter Cookson (Canada) stepped down after eight years as President. Peter has served the Commonwealth nations well, bringing CRABS to both Namibia and now Barbados. Taking his place as President is Kate O’Sullivan, previously 91桃色鈥檚 Deputy Chair and now a current board member of Welsh Rowing. Kate was elected along with James Andrews (91桃色鈥檚 England Pathway Manager), who was elected by fellow nations as an executive member of the association.

Credit: Swift Racing Boats, Commonwealth Rowing and CJ Taylor Photos

鈥淚鈥檓 honoured to have been elected President of the Commonwealth Rowing Association, and I鈥檓 grateful to Scottish Rowing and Welsh Rowing for their nomination,鈥� said Kate.

鈥淗aving just returned from the Commonwealth Rowing Regatta in Barbados, I鈥檝e seen first-hand what a special community Commonwealth coastal and beach sprint rowing is, and the unique spirit that exists across our nations. Over the next six to nine months, I鈥檓 looking forward to listening to and learning from each member country, and working with the CRA Executive to shape our strategy and shared priorities.

鈥淏uilding on the incredible work of outgoing President Peter Cookson, a key focus for me will be securing beach sprint rowing鈥檚 inclusion in the 2030 Commonwealth Games, while developing new programmes and strengthening existing ones across the Commonwealth rowing family.鈥�

Meet the England Team

Meet the

Meet the

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England Rowing will be travelling to Barbados to race at the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprint Championships (CRABS), with the team looking for their first elusive gold medal in the beach sprint form at Commonwealth level and their first gold medal at a Commonwealth event since 2014.

A team of eight rowers has been selected to row for England. They will race across six events (split across Senior and Development teams) as well as in a team relay, with the competition taking place on Brownes Beach in Bridgetown from Friday, 21 to Sunday, 23 November.

Many of the team will be returning to race for England after recently travelling to Ireland for the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints.

Bass Andre of Shanklin Sandown RC / Molesey BC will be returning to race for England in the Women鈥檚 Solo after recently winning the Women鈥檚 Coastal Solo at the European Rowing Coastal Championships. Bass said, 鈥淚’m thrilled at having the opportunity to represent England at the Commonwealth Beach Sprint Championships. Having secured a gold medal for GB at the European Enduro Champs last month, I’m swapping a 6km race for a 500m one, and I’m excited for the more fast-paced challenge of beach sprints! I’ll do my best to achieve similar results for England!鈥�

Hal Flowerdew from Tynemouth RC will be the only returning athlete from the England Commonwealth team that raced in Namibia in 2022. Racing in the Men鈥檚 Coastal Solo Hal said: 鈥淩owing for England at the coming Commonwealth Championships in Barbados is an amazing honour. From racing at the last Commonwealths in Namibia, I hope to continue my success and add to my Commonwealth silver in the team relay, but I am also looking forward to racing against many nations, which typically I don鈥檛 often race on the international circuit.”

The final senior boat will be made of Jonathan Martini (University of Birmingham BC) and Eva Barrellon-Kendall (Globe RC). Both will be racing for England for the first time in the Senior Mixed Coastal Double. Jonathan, who was a reserve and boat handler for England at this year’s Home International rowing Beach Sprints, has also previously rowed for Great Britain in 2023, where he claimed Gold in the U19 Mixed Double at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals. Eva will be competing for England for the first time and has also raced for Great Britain, last representing GB at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in 2023.

The Development Team will be made up聽 of U21 rowers who will all be donning their England all-in-ones after their journey to Ireland.

Tom Walker (Christchurch RC / University of Exeter BC) and Caitlin Lockey (Christchurch RC /City of Oxford RC) will be returning to their double, which finished in 2nd place in the U23 Mixed Double in Ireland. Both rowed as Juniors for the GB Team in 2024 at the World Rowing Beach Sprint finals.

Izzy Lancaster (Reading University BC / Bradford ARC), 2023 World Rowing Beach Sprint Final Gold Medalist in the Junior Mixed Double, will be racing in the U21 Women鈥檚 Coastal Solo, having previously raced in the Senior Mixed Double in Ireland. With Zack Hills (Whitby Coastal RC / Chester-le-Street ARC / Tynemouth RC) stepping up from the Junior Men鈥檚 Coastal Solo in Ireland into the U21 Men鈥檚 Coastal Solo for Barbados.

England will be joined by other Commonwealth Nations in this historic event in Barbados, which will mark the first time a Commonwealth Rowing event has been hosted in the Caribbean.

The coaching team will be made up of Poppy Kearney (91桃色) and Heather McDermott(Tynemouth RC), both coaches who have coached England and Great Britain in the past. Heather said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 a real privilege to have been selected to represent England Rowing at the Commonwealths this year. 聽 Making it even more special is making the trip with 2 Tynemouth athletes.聽 It’s a proud moment for me, the guys and our local club, and a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent coming out of the region, and we are grateful to the support in Tynemouth, Northern Rowing, England Rowing, Sport England and Commonwealth Rowing Association for making this all a reality.鈥�

James Andrews, England Pathway Manager at 91桃色, who will be travelling as the Team Manager, said, 鈥淲e have selected a strong team of experienced athletes from across England, with a mix from both coastal and river community clubs. It will be a privilege to take an England Rowing team to race in the Caribbean and Barbados for the first time.”

Follow the England Rowing Team on their journey and show your support by following them on

The England Rowing Team for the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints are:

Men鈥檚 Coastal Solo (CM1x):

Hal Flowerdew (Tynemouth RC)

Women鈥檚 Coastal Solo (CW1x):

Bass Andre (Shanklin Sandown RC / Molesey BC)

Mixed Coastal Double (CMix 2x):

Jonathan Martini (University of Birmingham BC)

Eva Barrellon-Kendall (Globe RC)

U21 Men鈥檚 Coastal Solo (CU21M1x):

Zack Hills (Whitby Coastal RC / Chester-le-Street ARC / Tynemouth RC)

U21 Women鈥檚 Coastal Solo (CU21W1x):

Izzy Lancaster (Reading University BC / Bradford ARC)

U21 Mixed Coastal Double (CU21Mix 2x):

Tom Walker (Christchurch RC / University of Exeter BC)

Caitlin Lockey (Christchurch RC /City of Oxford RC)

Reserves:

Oli Snoxall (Reading University BC)

Leah Saunders (Evesham RC)

Coach:

Heather McDermott (Tynemouth RC)

Poppy Kearney (91桃色)

Team Manager:

James Andrews (91桃色)

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On the beautiful Donegal coastline of Ireland in windy and challenging conditions, Wales became the first nation to win the Guin Batten Trophy on another nation’s sand, as well as claiming overall victory for a second time at the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints (HIRBS).

Junior Women’s Solo

Concerns about conditions worsening throughout Saturday meant that singles were moved forward to start the day’s time trials, before moving into side-by-side racing.聽 Wales claimed their first of three victories of the day in the Women鈥檚 Junior Solos. Emily Lunt (Hexham RC) took gold by 10 seconds over Lucy Whiteley (RGS Worcester BC) of England.

Credit: James Andrews

Junior Men’s Solo

The Junior Men鈥檚 Solo saw hosts Ireland claim their only victory of the day with Jack Hehir (Rosscarbery RC) beating Welsh rower Hayden MacDonald (City of Sunderland RC) into second place by 6 seconds.

Credit: James Andrews

Women’s Solo and Men’s Solo

Scotland claimed one of their two victories in the Women鈥檚 Solo, with Megan Hewison (Molesey BC) beating Lara Brittain of Wales into second place. In the Men鈥檚 Solo, Jerry Owen (Fishguard & Goodwick Jemima RC) once again met Hal Flowerdew (Tynemouth RC) of England. In challenging conditions, Jerry (2023鈥檚 HIRBS Champion) beat Hal (2024鈥檚 HIRBS Champion) by 16 seconds.

Credit: James Andrews

Junior Mixed Doubles

Moving on to the Mixed Doubles, England rowers Zara Gray (Lymington RC) and Valen Giacchetto (Christchurch RC) led throughout their race, beating Wales with Max Roughton (Marlow RC) and Grace James (Hartpury College) in a close final until Wales were caught off by a tough wave, turning their boat side onto the course. In taking their win, Zara became one of only two English rowers to ever defend their title at HIRBS. Zara said, 鈥淏ecoming a defending champion is an incredible achievement and one not possible without the amazing and supportive team surrounding me this year and last! I鈥檓 proud to have been able to do it wearing England colours!鈥�

Credit: James Andrews

U23 Mixed Doubles

In the U23 Mixed Doubles, Welsh rowers, Natasha Phillips (Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima RC) and Adam P (Warrington RC) came from behind in the final quarter of the race. The double pushed through after having a difficult start to catch up with the English double of Tom Walker (Christchurch RC / University of Exeter BC) and Caitlin Lockey (Christchruch RC / City of Oxford RC) after the English duo were caught in a wave pushing them side on and struggled to correct their line to finish 7 seconds behind the Welsh crew.

Credit: James Andrews

Senior Mixed Doubles

The final race of the day in the Senior Mixed Doubles saw Scotland’s second win, with Z Cochrane (Glasgow University BC) and C Khan (George Heriots School BC) racing in the Mixed Doubles event against Wales with returning athletes Bo Hughes and Thea Adamson. Scotland powered through the ever worsening conditions beating Wales in a little under 17 seconds to take bronze.

Credit: James Andrews

With Wales securing three victories and four second places, they did more than enough to take first place position for the overall trophy on Irish sands and waters. Wales finished with an overall points total of 24 points, 6 points ahead of England in second place.

England Beach Sprint Team Manager, Rachael Ball, said 鈥淚reland provided a beautiful backdrop for this year’s event. We had some of the most challenging conditions we鈥檝e had at a HIRBS but every athlete coped amazingly and did themselves proud. There was a great atmosphere on the beach, with athletes and volunteers dancing along to the music and cheering at the sidelines. I was very impressed with our boat handlers who were in and out of the water all day and would like to thank them for providing vital support for the athletes.鈥�

Overall Table:

See the Team Announcements:

Team England聽

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The four traditional home nations of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be joined again by guests Jersey for the fourth Home International Rowing Beach Sprints.

Returning in the Men鈥檚 Coastal Solo will be Team Captain, Hal Flowerdew from Tynemouth RC, who will be rowing for England for the fourth time. Hal will be looking to retain his title from 2024, when he became the first Senior Male to win for England at a Beach Sprint competition. Upon selection Hal said, 鈥淚t is a great privilege to be this year鈥檚 England captain for a second year! I hope to continue our success from last year with this year鈥檚 team, with lots of great racing.鈥�

The team will compete in seven events, spanning junior, senior, and U23 categories. The competition will include time trials, reps, semi-finals, and finals. The team will hope to make history this year by winning the team trophy for the second time after claiming victory on home waters at Bournemouth in 2024.

Bass Andre (Shanklin Sandown RC / Molesey BC) will compete in the Women鈥檚 Solo event, while Oli Snoxall (Reading University BC) and Isabel Lancaster (Reading University BC/Bradford ARC) will team up in the Mixed Double. Isabel will be stepping up into the senior boat after successfully taking the first-ever U23 title in the Mixed Double in 2024.

The U23 Mixed Double will see previous U19 GBRT Team members Tom Walker (Christchurch RC / University of Exeter BC) and Caitlin Lockey (Christchurch RC / City of Oxford RC) racing.

Junior boats see two returners representing England once again. Zack Hills (Whitby Coastal RC/Chester-Le-Street ARC/Tynemouth RC) will be racing in the Junior Men鈥檚 Solo once again, whilst Zara Gray (Lymington ARC) will be joined by Valen Giacchetto (Christchurch RC) in the Junior Mixed Double. Lastly, Lucy Whiteley (Royal Grammar School Worcester BC) will be taking the final seat in the Junior Women鈥檚 Solo.

Kath Coleman-Jones, who took part in the first ever Home International Rowing Beach Sprints, will be returning as a coach for this year’s event. Kath said 鈥淗IRBS holds a really special place in my heart because of its focus on delivering a great team performance, not just individual wins. I’m incredibly proud to have represented Team England as a rower and coach and am really looking forward to playing my small part in helping our squad to deliver their best in Ireland this year.鈥�

James Andrews, England Pathway Manager, said,聽 鈥淓ngland has had a successful year so far after narrowly winning all four trophies with our Regatta Team, and I鈥檓 hoping our success will continue once again at the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints. With it being Ireland’s home event, they will be a tough team to beat, but I believe this team has what it takes to secure victory and become the first team to secure the team trophy for a second time.鈥�

England Rowing Beach Sprint Team 2025

Returning athletes/coaches are marked with a *.

Women鈥檚 Solo (CW1x)

Bass Andre (Shanklin Sandown RC / Molesey BC)

Men鈥檚 Solo (CM1x)

Hal Flowerdew (Tynemouth RC)* – Team Captain

Mixed Double (CMix2x)

Oli Snoxall (Reading University BC)

Isabel Lancaster (Reading University BC/Bradford ARC)*

U23 Mixed Double (U23 CMix2x)

Tom Walker (Christchurch RC / University of Exeter BC)

Caitlin Lockey (Christchurch RC / City of Oxford RC)

Junior Women鈥檚 Solo (CJW1x)

Lucy Whiteley (Royal Grammar School Worcester BC)

Junior Men鈥檚 Solo (CJM1x)

Zack Hills (Whitby Coastal RC/Chester-Le-Street ARC/Tynemouth RC)*

Junior Mixed Double (CJMix2x)

Valen Giacchetto (Christchurch RC)

Zara Gray (Lymington ARC)*

Reserves / Boat Handlers

Jonathan Martini (University of Birmingham BC)

Naomi Davis (Bournemouth University Boat Club )

Brage Wallis (Lymington ARC)

Leah Saunders (Evesham RC)*

Jacob Lloyd (Hexham RC)

Molly Cartwright-Tickle (Lymington ARC / Bournemouth Collegiate School BC)

Coaches

Kath Coleman-Jones (Coastal Barbarians / Bournemouth University BC)*

Heather McDermott (Tynemouth RC)*

Bryony Reeve (Southsea RC)

Team Support

Team Manager: Rachael Ball

Safeguarding Officer: Lucy McNulty (Molesey BC)

Lead Coach: Emma Benany (91桃色)

Umpire: Phil Clements (Wycliffe College BC)

Team Delegate / England Pathway Manager: James Andrews (91桃色)

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