Welsh Rowing has named a 64-strong squad for the Home International Regatta in Cardiff Bat on Saturday, July 23rd.

The squad features Wales’ top athletes in senior men and women, and junior boys and girls categories.

Also for the very first time in the regatta’s history para-rowing will be included as a point scoring event with City of Swansea’s Luke Jones representing Wales.

Wales’ Team Manager Zoe Davies said:“HIR is a team event and every point from each race counts.

“We have a strong team with a good mix of new raw talent and some with ten plus years of international experience.

“There will be a lot of pressure on Wales as the host nation, but we will look to utilise the home advantage at Cardiff Bay.

“HIR is one of the few events where there is only one race in that boat category, so all four crews from each home nation line up and it is a straight final every time.

“From a coaching perspective it means we need to bond our crews very quickly and be ready to go, as teams only get one shot, which makes for great viewing for spectators.

 

Pic: Wales Team Manager Zoe Davies

The event provides a rare opportunity for rowers to represent their home nations and to compete against their regular crew mates throughout the year.

The Welsh rowers come from clubs across the country such as Llandaff, Monmouth, Cardiff University, Monmouth School, Cardiff City and City of Swansea, as well as seasoned internationals from renowned clubs at Oxford University, Molesey and Leander.

“There isn’t another regatta like this where you can represent Wales at this level,” added Davies.

“For many athletes it will be the pinnacle of their careers, for others it’s part of the GB Development pathway.

“As an international event, the experience of competing at HIR gives those athletes the opportunity to get ready to shift up into international racing for GB.”
Racing begins in Cardiff Bay at 10:30 on Saturday 23rd July.