This weekend, the main head race for university crews descends on Newcastle for two days of racing. The 5km stretch on the River Tyne promises gruelling match-ups and plenty of close racing between crews. For the rowers competing in the double sculls, they will be looking to take this Sunday by storm and build on the results that their respective clubs have achieved the day before. A pilot event, there will be no points available for the Victor Ludorem or the overall BUCS points leaderboard this year, but with medals and pride on the line, don’t expect these athletes to be pulling any punches.
Durham University Boat Club
Durham University is already an established programme and has made significant inroads in becoming a staple in the top tier of British rowing universities. They are particularly known for their impressive squad depth. Last year, they won the Open Victor Ludorum at BUCS Head. Being the highest point total in the event, they displayed strength across boat classes and consistency over the 5km. Durham’s success is also not limited to sweep events. They have seen success in sculling, finishing fifth in the open championship quad at BUCS Head last year. While there is no double-specific form guide to read, but their depth in quads and singles, and overall victory in open points last year, indicate they’ve got athletes capable of winning small-boat events.
Queen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast is another contender to gain a podium spot and potentially walk away with a gold medal come this weekend. Queen’s sculling programme, along with Reading University, has seen to be a staple in BUCS sculling categories. The Queen’s sculling programme did deliver strong results at BUCS Head 2025, including second place in the open championship quad and second in the intermediate lightweight quad. Following these results and a string of positive results during their 2025 regatta season, Queen’s Belfast is continuing on its upward trend that could potentially unseat some of the other heavyweights of university rowing.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh are also a standout squad that could come away with the win this weekend. They were one of the standout programmes at BUCS Head 2025, finishing third in the men’s championship eight and winning gold in the men’s intermediate eight. This indicates a strong programme that is well-prepared for the head racing season. At BUCS Regatta 2025, Edinburgh’s championship double narrowly missed a medal, finishing just outside the podium. They will be looking to turn their result from last season around and finish Sunday with a medal around their neck. While not traditionally a dominant sculling programme, Edinburgh’s upward trajectory in doubles and consistent top-tier sweep results suggest a strong result may be seen.
Notable Mentions
Although Imperial College Boat Club did not post any sculling boats at BUCS Head 2025, being an established tideway programme, they will be fierce competition. With a change in coach and new talent emerging, they will focus on putting on a competitive showing. Also, look out for the crews from the River Clyde, namely the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. The demolition of the East Boathouse in Glasgow has led to an increased focus on small boat sculling on the river, so expect strong performances from the crews in this event.
Prediction
Although this is a small category, the competition will be fierce. With three established programmes in the mix for the top spot, as well as other new faces to the sculling scene, willing to cause an upset. That being said, I think this race will be Durham’s to lose. Hot on their heels, however, will be Edinburgh and Queen’s University Belfast. All that is certain is that Sunday will feature fierce competitive racing.
