Tensions between Oxford and Cambridge universities continue to simmer ahead of this year’s Boat Race, with the fallout from a recent dispute over eligibility rules causing significant disruptions. The disagreement centers on the participation of rowers studying for a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), a qualification that Oxford has argued should bar students from competing in the prestigious race. As a result of this controversy, a planned women’s trial race between the two universities was scrapped on Wednesday.
Oxford’s decision to enforce the PGCE ban even on the spare races, which are essentially practice sessions for squad members not selected for the main event, has led to Cambridge being unable to field a full crew for the women’s spare race. This left them with no choice but to replace their crew with rowers from London Rowing Club. The London team subsequently triumphed over Oxford in a shorter segment of the course on the Thames. Meanwhile, Oxford chose not to participate in a women’s lightweight spare race, citing what were described as “unfavorable river conditions.” On the men’s side, Cambridge managed to win both of their spare races.
Spare races are a key part of the build-up to the main event, allowing both teams to assess race conditions on the Thames while also offering a competitive outing for squad members not selected for the final crew. In this case, Cambridge had hoped to include rowers Molly Foxell and Kate Crowley, who were ruled out of the main race due to their PGCE status. However, their participation was blocked by Oxford, leaving the team without sufficient rowers to form a competitive crew for the women’s spare race.
The situation became even more complicated when Lucy Havard, the president of the Cambridge University Boat Club, was also deemed ineligible by Oxford. According to the club, Havard could not compete due to the “12-year rule,” a regulation that prohibits anyone from taking part in the Boat Race if more than 12 years have passed since they first enrolled as an undergraduate. This rule, which was introduced after the controversy surrounding James Cracknell’s participation in the 2019 race at the age of 46, has now come under further scrutiny. In addition to Havard, Matt Heywood, a rower from Cambridge, was also disqualified from the men’s main race this year for the same reason.
Sources close to the Cambridge team expressed surprise and frustration at Oxford’s strict interpretation of these rules, especially given that the spare races are considered an informal event. Unlike the main race, which is officially regulated, the spare races are meant to give additional squad members a chance to race and prepare for potential substitutions due to injury or illness. The decision to apply the same eligibility restrictions to these unofficial races has only fueled the already tense relationship between the two universities.
This latest row has led to calls for a legal challenge against the interpretation panel’s decision to bar the PGCE students from the race. An independent legal opinion obtained by Cambridge suggested that there may be strong grounds to challenge the legality of the eligibility ruling. If the issue is not resolved before next year’s race, it could lead to further legal and procedural disputes between the two sides.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between Oxford and Cambridge, a rivalry that has often spilled over into controversy surrounding the rules governing the Boat Race. While the race itself remains a historic and prestigious event, these disputes reflect the complexities and intense emotions that are now intertwined with the competition. As both teams prepare for Sunday’s race, it remains to be seen whether this controversy will cast a shadow over the proceedings or if the rowers will be able to put aside their differences and focus on the race itself.
