The Australian Boat Race is the epitome of intervarsity racing in Australia, derived from the British Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race. The match race sees Australia’s top two rowing universities, Sydney University and Melbourne University, fight it out in a 3.2km head race, alternating between the Yarra River and Sydney Harbour each year.
Historically, Sydney University’s men’s side has dominated the event, winning 12 of the 14 races held since the competition was reintroduced in 2011. Despite this, the race being held on the Yarra River this year gives Melbourne a home-ground advantage. This year, with the men competing first, will be an exciting and competitive curtain opener to the women’s edition.
Sydney University
Sydney University has entered a strong eight this year, with four members of the boat yielding Australian representative experience. The boat is led by generational talent Will Rogers, who at only 19 years of age has already represented Australia at the U23 level, competing in the quadruple scull in Poznan earlier this year. This international experience also precedes 2025, representing Australia in the U19 single in Canada in 2024. Having won both the schoolboy eight and U19 single at nationals in 2024, there’s no doubt Rogers will lead this boat with discipline. Behind him, one of Sydney Uni’s two alumni picks – Jackson Kench. Kench has a history of winning boat races, including his first year as captain in 2024, when the crew recorded a dominant win on the choppy waters of Sydney Harbour. Outside of the university, Kench has stroked the Australian men’s eight to a bronze medal in the 2022 World Championship and a silver medal at Lucerne in 2023, making him a significant addition to the stern of this crew. Gus Ceisiolka is seated in the six seat, having recently returned from the U19 championships, where he aided the Australian crew in achieving a very commendable fifth place in the coxless four. Behind him sits his current pair partner, Jack Cullen, who spent a gap year rowing for Leander in the UK after securing the Major Rennie Trophy at the 2024 AAGPS Head of the River with fellow Joeys alumni Ceisiolka and Mitchell (bow).
Hamish Danks is the second alumnus for the Sydney crew, recently completing his Bachelor of Architecture. Danks arrives in Melbourne fresh off an U23 campaign, competing alongside Rogers in the U23 quad in Poznan. Standout performances at Nationals earlier this year secured him as one of the top competitors in the Australian underage scene, following an injury and illness-plagued season the year prior. Danks’ experience is extensive, having won multiple boat races and national titles, and most recently, the new NSW sprint eliminator – he is a well-known name in the domestic rowing world. Club Captain Will Gregory is a solid, consistent performer within the Sydney University, leading with diligence and humility, aiding in significant recruitment efforts for the club’s men’s program this season. Having won last year’s boat race, gained selection into the NSW lightweight team, and been involved in many of the club’s China trips and UniSport Nationals, his experience will guide the younger members of this crew. Despite a slightly younger crew than in previous years, the experience of those in the stern will provide a confidence boost for Sydney University, looking to retain the trophy on rival waters.
Melbourne University
Competing on home soil will certainly give Melbourne University an edge. Fraser Miscamble will undoubtedly bring rhythm and poise to the Melbourne Uni side, the recent selection into the Australian NTC acquired senior international racing in the 2024 World Rowing Cup one, and is no stranger to success under pressure. The second alumni selection is Josh Booth, a triple Olympian and Rio 2016 silver medallist. Booth is one of the legendary names in Australian rowing over the last twenty years. His three Olympic representations are complemented by ten consecutive years of King’s Cup representation for Victoria, as well as multiple boat race campaigns. It has been a while since we’ve seen Booth take a stroke in anger, but his leadership will be invaluable for the younger members of the crew.
Melbourne’s alumni will be complemented by the success of James Houghton in the stroke seat, a recipient of the university’s John Hall Scholarship, 2025 national title holder in the U23 eight and U19 Australian representative rower. Forsyth and Simpson also joined Houghton in the U22 Oceanic Teams Rowing Championship’s Victorian team. Interestingly, only Forsyth, McClure and White gained early-season racing experience in their participation at UniSport Nationals, allowing for testing of combinations before the big dance. In the sporting capital of Australia, this Melbourne University crew will be desperate for a win on home soil and will surely give Sydney a run for its money on the Yarra.
Prediction
This year will certainly be tougher to call than last, with both crews submitting seriously talented alumni to their squads. Sydney University is sending a younger crew down south than they have in past years, and a cox whose recent experience doesn’t lend itself to the winds of the Yarra. Melbourne University have strong, steady leadership in their boat, although seemingly lack some depth at the tail-end of the crew. As such, I predict Sydney University to take the win over Melbourne University, although if Melbourne is able to steer with strategy, this head race is sure to be tight.
