As BUCS Head makes the return to Newcastle, so does the return of the strongly anticipated men’s intermediate eights event. University rowing programmes from up and down the UK are meeting on the Tyne, and as ever, the quality and depth of the field and their progress thus far will all be on display.
Newcastle University
It would not be a BUCS Head preview without mentioning Newcastle University, who are rowing on their home water. Reigning champions from 2024, the crew will be looking to hold onto this top spot for another year. Continuing their success from this event last year, they were the top place Non-Brookes Crew at BUCS Regatta, and also successfully qualified a crew for the Temple Challenge Cup, losing heats to the eventual finalists Princeton.
This season, the home crews placed highly at Rutherford Head, especially second in Band 1 and winning Band 2, showing continual development from last season. These results from November and the previous season show they are a top contender for this year and to defend their title.
Durham University
Coming off the back of training camp in Banyoles, Durham, also rowing on home water, will be looking to keep pushing at the medals. Looking back to 2024, the eight placed fifth at both BUCS Head and Regatta, just out of reach of those top podium placing spots.
The new season has seen new success, with the club placing third at Rutherford Head hot on the heels of Newcastle, and an impressive turn out at Tyne United New Years Head, placing first, third and fifth. With a home advantage and being used to the Tyne’s temperamental conditions could give Durham that extra security to get themselves in the medal tables.
University of Edinburgh
After a successful last season, Edinburgh will be looking to build upon their previous result of third place at this event. After placing first in the B-Final at BUCS Regatta, the squad followed with qualification for two boats in the Temple Challenge Cup, showing their progress to the top of their game.
Moving into the current season, Edinburgh placed a very impressive first place and fastest time at Rutherford Head, showing the club can tackle the conditions that the Tyne may present. They will be looking to further the gap between themselves and Newcastle and keep themselves in medalling position this year.
Imperial College London
Another crew to keep an eye on this year will be Imperial College London. Last year saw a big change from the 2023 season, with a fourth place at this event, and ninth at BUCS Regatta. 2024 also saw the eight qualify for the Temple Challenge Cup, which built on the previous season from no qualification.
During the current season, the Tideway saw storms cancel racing in the latter part of 2024, but in January, the club won senior eights at Quintin Head, with their second boat coming fourth. They will be looking to close the gap to the medals this year, and this most recent result holds them in good stead to do so.
Glasgow University
Having finished top ten in both BUCS events last season, the Glasgow crew are surely pressing on to keep themselves in the top part of this category. With talent coming up from last year’s beginner squad, who finished fifth at the Head last year, this squad are likely to keep pushing up to the top.
University of Bristol
Having not entered into last year’s BUCS Head, the 2022/23 winners Bristol had a very successful season nonetheless, with their Temple Challenge crew qualifying, and progressing through the first round. With a third place at the home head behind them this season, I am sure that this crew will be looking to build back into the top spots after a year away.
Predictions
It is hard to deny that this could be some really tight racing this year, with the top spot being contested between Edinburgh, Newcastle and Imperial, although I would not be surprised to see Bristol or even a crew who have been working hard behind the scenes push up into medalling positions either.
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