Controversy has broken out ahead of this year’s Boat Race between Oxford University and Cambridge University over the eligibility of certain students which has been labelled “a desperate ploy … to gain an upper hand in the most slimy way”.

The Boat Race, which was first staged in 1829, is a rowing event which takes place every year between students from two of the UK’s elite universities over a 4.25-mile stretch of the River Thames in west London.

The Boat Race Company, which organises the event, estimates that more than 200,000 people gather on the bank of the river to watch the men’s and women’s races, with millions watching on TV. Cambridge has won five of the last six men’s races and each of the last seven women’s races.

The row over this year’s event, which takes place on Sunday, April 13, stems from the banning of students undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course — combining academic study of teaching with practical experience — from being able to compete. Such students had previously been permitted to participate.

Cambridge’s Matt Heywood, who won a silver medal for the Team GB men’s quad at the 2022 World Championship, is studying PGCE Secondary History and confirmed on his Instagram that he and two other students had been prevented from participating in this year’s Boat Race.

“OUBC challenged the eligibility of PGCE students this year and the subsequent decision has ruled myself and two other athletes ineligible,” Heywood said.

“It’s safe to say that this decision doesn’t align with any values of sportsmanship or race spirit that I have known in rowing, and that I feel disheartened by the wider implications of this decision on my future vocation.”

Cambridge men’s team president Sebastian Benzecry and women’s team president Jenna Armstrong with their 2024 trophies

Imogen Grant, a former Cambridge rower and lightweight double sculls gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, expressed her disappointment at the decision on social media.

“Oxford have barred PGCE students this year from racing the Boat Race,” Grant posted. “As you can imagine, I’m seething. This is an insult to teachers everywhere and a desperate ploy from Oxford to gain an upper hand in the most slimy way.

“I don’t believe this reflects on the current Oxford squad, who have also had to train among this uncertainty all year. I believe this is entirely down to select individuals amongst the alumni who have a narrow view of who rows boat races.”

Cambridge University Boat Club chair Annamarie Phelps said her organisation “is deeply disappointed by the news that our PGCE students have been classified as ineligible to race in The Boat Race.

“There is no question academically about the standing of the PGCE course, which is highly valued and operates at a postgraduate level. This decision comes despite the University’s advice on the PGCE’s standing and despite the precedent set by PGCE students from both Oxford and Cambridge being allowed to race in preceding years.”

The Oxford University Boat Club has been contacted for comment.

“Utter madness in the Boat Race world… and a new low in relations between Oxford and Cambridge boat clubs,” said Cath Bishop, a former Cambridge and World Championships gold medallist rower, on Instagram. “A crying shame for any student who has trained their heart out to be a pawn in the petty disputes that the clubs consistently fight in order to get one up on each other. The best students should race to create the fastest boats and fight it out on the water!”

The eligibility for the Boat Race is jointly agreed between Oxford and Cambridge, according to The Boat Race Company, “with no involvement from … any third party”.

“Similarly, both clubs agree to the existence and ultimate authority of an independent Interpretation Panel to provide rulings on any disputes, or to clarify rules where necessary,” a statement from The Boat Race Company added. “The clubs are signatories to a Joint Agreement and agree to be bound by a ruling of the Interpretation Panel with no further recourse.”

Phelps added: “Following The Boat Race this year, it is in everyone’s interest for the two clubs to sit down and agree the eligibility criteria for future races.

“We would also like to clarify that the Joint Agreement only pertains to whom can race in The Boat Races, so all affected students are still eligible to row in other events this year. The club is supporting affected athletes through this difficult time and is considering ways to honour their achievements.”

(Photos: Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images)