The Story So Far

JRN is one of the largest independent rowing platforms in the world.

We are a team of ambitious writers, podcasters, event managers, photographers and social media executives, committed to giving our sport a broader and more inclusive voice.

We’ve worked with major events, organisations and clients to bring JRN to the forefront of the national community.

We have our ears to the ground and our eyes on the rivers and lakes of the UK.

We’re always trying to learn and we’re constantly on the look-out for new talent.


The Team

Rachel Egan – Junior Editor

Rachel started rowing when she was just 10 at Evesham Rowing Club, where she stayed in the junior club circuit, until transitioning to a performance programme at Wycliffe College at the beginning of her J16 year. In 2021, she competed in the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup for her club. After over five years of competitive rowing, she joined the JRN opinions team in September 2020 and was promoted to Editor in the summer of 2021.


John Laurenson – Student Editor

John began his rowing career at George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh, culminating in selection for the Scotland team for the Home International Regatta in 2017. He continued to row at the University of Bath where he studies Chemical Engineering. In his first year, John won a bronze medal at the European University Games. He was elected chairman of the university boat club for his final two years of university. After joining Junior Rowing News in 2020, he was promoted in August 2021 to lead our first ever student writing team.


Rosie Oates – Opinions Editor

Rosie started rowing in 2012 at the City of Bristol Rowing Club, after being inspired by the Olympics to take up the sport. She rowed there for seven years and was a part of both the junior and senior section. She is now at Queen’s University Belfast, where she has been rowing for the university club. After several years serving as a writer for JRN, she was promoted to Opinions Editor in August 2021.


Fergus Mainland – Host of The End of the Island

Fergus is entering his ninth year in the world of rowing. He started at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh and in 2015 was part of the VIII that was the first Scottish school to qualify for the P.E. After representing Scotland twice and picking up national medals over the years, he is now the Athletics Union Officer at Newcastle University. Fergus has worked with the Boat Race and has recently started commentating around the country at the likes of Henley Women’s Regatta and Brit Champs.


Ed Evans – Chief Operating Officer

Ed joined the team for National Schools’ Regatta in 2018, and has since expanded his role in the rowing community, both within JRN and beyond.  On the circuit, Ed spends his time working at events such as the Boat Race and Henley Royal Regatta, meaning he has his ear firmly to the ground in the rowing world. Over the past two years Ed has expanded the platform with the creation of both ‘The Catch‘, our feature publication, and the ‘Club Aggregate‘ which seeks to shine a light on the hundreds of clubs on the circuit. Working with a small team of dedicated writers, content partners and the editorial board, Ed aims to uphold and promote the integrity and innovation of the sport we all know and love.


Tom Morgan – Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Tom set up JRN in 2013 and hasn’t looked back since. The website has grown and grown and with it has come an audience, expectations, teams, contacts, opportunities and incredible experiences. Tom works at Bain & Company on a day-to-day basis but stays in touch with the rowing world through his role as a commentator and researcher for several of the UK’s largest events, including the National Schools’ Regatta, Henley Women’s Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta.


How To Stay In Touch

Want to join the team? Drop us a line at juniorrowingnews@gmail.com

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Keep up to date on Instagram – @juniorrowingnews