BUCS Head 2025 – Women’s Championship Quads Preview

With this year’s head racing in full swing, all eyes will turn on Saturday to Newcastle as some of the country’s top university crews take on the BUCS Fours and Eights Head. The five-kilometre course down the River Tyne will test the strength and endurance of the rowers and provide some much-needed race training for the upcoming Women’s Head of the River Race. Last year’s champions, The University of Reading, will be looking to defend their title, but with strong crews from Newcastle and Durham, the fight for gold is set to be close. 

University of Reading 

It is no secret that Reading University Boat Club has dominated the university sculling scene in recent years, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. Reading’s squad is stacked with talent, with four athletes in the top ten at the GB February Trials for U23s – Zara Povey, Meg Knight, Ellie Cooke, and Finnola Stratton. Stratton, in particular, will be one to watch after placing first for U23 and sixth overall at GB trials. They are the favourites once again, but with such intense competition, they can’t afford to be complacent in this race. 

Newcastle University 

After finishing second in 2024, Newcastle will be desperate to claim the victory this time around, particularly on home water. Rachel Bradley’s third-place finish at the U23 GB Trials proves they have the strength to challenge Reading. Having won gold in both the championship and intermediate categories in BUCS regatta last year, they have proven to have an impressive depth within their squad. As one of the country’s top university rowing programmes, they could be the biggest threat to the reigning champions, Reading.

Durham University 

Durham University Boat Club claimed bronze last year, and building on the miles they’ve put in during their recent winter training camp, they’ll be hoping to step up again. While they may not have the same individual standout names as Reading or Newcastle, they have had strong results this season, including a win by 15 seconds in the women’s championship eight at Tyne New Year Head, proving their squad’s depth and endurance.

 Nottingham University

The University of Nottingham will aim to make an impact this year at BUCS Head. While traditionally stronger on the sweep side, their sculling programme has seen significant growth, and a strong performance here could set them up well for the regatta season. They may not be outright favourites, but they have the potential to challenge for a podium spot if they can put together a clean, powerful row.

Bath University 

The University of Bath is proving to be a serious player in student sculling. Bea Hughes, along with Rebekah Court and Ella Fullman, placed in the top 20 at the U23 GB February Trials – impressive results that signal the squad’s ability. Bath’s continued progress suggests they could be one to look out for this year, provided they can hold off the University of Birmingham and the University of Edinburgh. 

Predictions

With their dominance in university sculling and a squad packed with top GB U23 trialists, Reading University is undoubtedly the favourite and hopes to retain its title. Their experience, technical proficiency, and drive make them the team to beat, and if they execute their race plan cleanly on the Tyne, it will be tough for anyone to match them. 

However, Newcastle could be a close contender. With Rachel Bradley’s impressive U23 Trials result and the backing of one of the UK’s strongest university rowing programmes, they will be hunting Reading down to the finish line. Ever-consistent, Durham will also be in the mix, and if conditions favour endurance over pure speed, they could shake things up at the top.

Further down the pack, Nottingham and Bath are both on an upward trajectory, with Bath, in particular, showing signs of breaking into the top ranks. While they may not yet have the firepower to challenge for gold, a strong row could see them in contention for a top-four finish.

Expect a fast and competitive race, but unless something drastic happens, Reading should have enough to hold off their challengers and defend their title. The real battle may well be for silver and bronze, where Newcastle and Durham will in for a tight contest.

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