A top New Zealand rowing eight will race at the Henley Royal Regatta for the first time in 30 years.
Two men's fours that are competing at events across Europe will combine to compete in the eight at Henley, to compete for the Grand Challenge Cup which dates from 1839.
The rowers named in the boat are Jade Uru, Hamish Burson, Ben Hammond, Tyson Williams, Shaun O'Neill, David Eade, Ian Seymour and Michael Arms.
For Rowing New Zealand's high performance manager Alan Cotter the event has special significance as he coxed the last New Zealand men's eight to compete at the event in 1980.
Also competing will be defending champion Mahe Drysdale and Duncan Grant in the single sculls and women's defending champ Emma Twigg.
Eric Murray and Hamish bond will defend their pairs title while Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan will compete in the double scull.
The new men's quad will compete at the event.
A second New Zealand eight, a club crew from West End, will race in the Thames Cup club event.
Ends - please email me for further information or a picture from Henley 09.
Richard Gee
