Press Releases

University Boat Club Rules Regatta

Release Date : 16 May 2007

Reading University Boat Club (RUBC) confirmed its position as one of the foremost rowing universities in the UK, with a fantastic team performance at the 2007 British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) Regatta.

RUBC returned home with a hugely impressive medal haul of seven gold, two silver and two bronze.

Over 1,000 crews competed in this annual event, held during the May Bank-holiday weekend at the National Water Sports Centre (NWSC) in Nottingham. More than 60 Universities were involved, from as far a field as Belfast, Aberdeen and Exeter, and provided some high quality racing.

RUBC was the best performing heavyweight elite squad at the championships and won all the men's major sculling events.

In a very exciting final the men's coxed 4 crew, whose preparation had been much disrupted due to injuries, beat established crews from the University of London and Bristol to take gold.

In only his first year at Reading, Bill Lucas won the highly coveted single sculling event before teaming up with Sam Townsend to win the Double Sculls. They then raced with Chris Carew and James Waters to win the quads by 5 lengths.

The women's squad continued their fantastic progress with a much improved showing in this year's competition. A gold in the sprint quads, silver in the championship quads and bronze in the coxless fours meant an extremely happy journey south for the women of RUBC.

Will Rand, Director of Rowing at the University of Reading, is extremely delighted at the club's performance. "This was a fantastic competition for RUBC and really demonstrated the depth of talent we now have at the club, in both the men's and women's squads.

"The powerful performances by the novices are very encouraging for the future and we are looking forward to some exciting racing leading up to the Henley Royal Regatta in July. With many RUBC rowers competing in the upcoming Rowing World Cup, this is an exciting time for the club and for everyone connected with sport at the University."

For information about the Boat Club contact Will Rand, the Director of Rowing at the University of Reading on 07989 972 594 or email w.rand@reading.ac.uk

End

For University of Reading media enquiries, please contact James Barr, Press Assistant, on 0118 3787115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk