Upcoming Rowing NZ Events Update – 20 March

As a result of the ever evolving COVID-19 situation in New Zealand, and ensuring that the health and well-being of athletes, coaches and staff remains our top priority, Rowing NZ have announced the below changes in the upcoming age group and development team selections.

Junior Trials

Rowing NZ have postponed the 2020 Junior Team trials.

Rowing NZ will take guidance from World Rowing (FISA) regarding the World Rowing Junior Championships scheduled to take place from 16 – 21 August in Bled, Slovenia. At this stage Rowing NZ intend to run trials later in the year but will monitor the COVID-19 situation in Europe and New Zealand before a final decision is made.

Rowing NZ required athletes to nominate in November 2019 to enable selectors to track and assess all nominees across an extended period of time. Whilst the regretful cancellation of the 2020 Aon Maadi Cup will have disappointed the New Zealand rowing community, Rowing NZ would like to assure Junior nominees that the event’s cancellation has not had an impact upon identification of potential trialists.

A list of athletes Rowing NZ selectors are interested in trialling will be published on Friday 27 March, and these athletes will all be contacted directly by Rowing NZ. Athletes will be provided with a training programme and guidance around how to continue training through the winter season.

The New Zealand Junior campaign requires significant commitment from athletes and their whanau and supporters. Our objective is to ensure that athletes are provided every opportunity to take part in the World Rowing Junior Championships, but given the COVID-19 situation is currently evolving rapidly, we must make a decision based on the best interests of all involved.

Rowing NZ will continue to communicate regularly with athletes until a final decision is made on the viability of a 2020 Junior team being selected.

U21 Trans-Tasman Regatta

Due to travel restrictions in place in both Australia and New Zealand, it will not be possible for the U21 Regatta to take place in July as scheduled.

Both Rowing NZ and Rowing Australia are committed to running the regatta in 2020, and are working towards announcing a revised date which may be at the end of August.

Trials currently scheduled for the 29 April - 1 May are postponed pending further notice. Athletes should continue with their preparations and will be kept informed via their nominated email address provided within individual nominations. Athletes are also encouraged to communicate with their local RPC to receive advice on training guidelines.

Rowing NZ remain supportive of the government’s COVID-19 containment initiatives, and understand their intent is to avoid non-essential gatherings that will increase the community risk for the spread of COVID-19. The situation in New Zealand and Australia will be carefully monitored and key decisions will be made accordingly.

All nominees will be informed at the earliest possible time of any changes.

2020 FISU World University Championships

FISU have previously announced that the 2020 FISU World University Championships to be hosted in Zagreb, Croatia has been cancelled due to a delay with venue renovations. FISU are considering an alternative venue and Rowing NZ will keep nominees informed.

Trials currently scheduled for the 29 April - 1 May are postponed pending further notice.

Athletes should continue with their preparations and will be kept informed via their nominated email address provided within individual nominations. Non RPC athletes are also encouraged to communicate with their local RPC to receive advice on training guidelines.