The Australian University Games regatta brings an exciting nuance to the rowing season. Instead of racing for their clubs, athletes represent the university where they study. This unfolds in captivating dynamics; rivals become teammates, friends start in opposing boats, and athletes from all levels of the sport are given the opportunity to row against each other, but perhaps more compelling, the chance to row with each other.
The University Games are no stranger to upset victories, but it’s the University of Sydney that has dominated the overall point score for the past three years. With plenty of international and domestic talent lining up in the men’s pairs, this event could either give Sydney Uni another boost or provide the breakthrough that ends their streak.
University of Technology Sydney ‘A’
After his recent move to Sydney Rowing Club, Will Clubb returns to the black, white, and teal of UTS, looking to improve on last year’s third-place result in this event. Clubb, who competed in the inaugural U22 Oceania Championship earlier this season, will line up alongside new crewmate Tomas Maloney. Fresh from the U19 World Rowing Championships in Lithuania, Maloney brings strong form into his first University Games, and the pair will undoubtedly be equipped to push for the podium in this race.
University of Technology Sydney ‘B’
Bolstering the UTS campaign are Sydney Rowing Club’s Nick Whalan and Charlie Hine. This combination has proven pedigree, having raced together across multiple levels of the sport. Hine raced the SRC Wyfold four in consecutive seasons at Henley Royal Regatta, this year placing second following a controversial re-row in the final. Whalan competed in The Britannia Challenge Cup in 2024; the year prior, the pair advanced to The Fawley Challenge Cup quarterfinal. Having also featured in the victorious NSW youth eight in 2024, with this record, Whalan and Hine enter this regatta as clear contenders for gold.
Sydney University ‘A’
After narrowly missing the podium last year, Sydney University will be eager to claim this event. At just 19, Will Rogers brings fresh speed off the back of his U23 campaign in the Australian quad earlier this year, and a bronze in the NSW youth eight at the Australian Rowing Championships. Teaming up with Sebastian Atterton, the duo are shaping up to be genuine contenders for a medal position.
Sydney University ‘B’
Sydney University also fields a second crew, setting up an intriguing head-to-head between clubmates. The combination of Jack Cullen and Angus Ciesiolka will aim not only to finish ahead of their fellow USYD pair but also to challenge for a top spot on the podium. Ciesiolka, who rowed in the NSW youth eight alongside his now opponent Will Rogers, returns from the U19 World Rowing Championships and will make his University Games debut.
Adelaide University ‘A’
Adelaide University will be eager to break up what could be an all-New South Wales podium. Hamish Allan, who narrowly missed the medals in this event last year, returns to the boat with Henry Southcott. Both athletes come off strong domestic seasons, with Allan featuring in the South Australian Kings Cup eight. Earlier this year, the pair combined to win gold in the sprint quad at the Australian Rowing Championships. With that momentum, they shape up as a dark horse in this field; if they can get into the mix early, they may cause a serious upset in the final standings.
Prediction
With a field this close, it’s hard to ignore Whalan and Hine’s years of experience together, so I’ll take UTS ‘B’ for gold. The remaining medals are anyone’s game, though I think the UTS ‘A’ crew will edge ahead for silver, with the USYD ‘A’ crew snapping at their heels for bronze. Regardless, this promises to be a race to watch, and I’d be surprised if anything more than a matter of seconds separated this lineup.
