Two ex-Otago rowers have been named in the Rowing New Zealand elite team for 2017.
Former Kavanagh College pupil Zoe McBride has been named in the lightweight double sculls crew, alongside Jackie Kiddle, while Ruby Tew was named in the women’s coxed eight.
There were 39 rowers selected overall, including 19 returning Olympians. However the absence of Mahe Drysdale, Eric Murray, Hamish Bond and Genevieve Behrent has opened up gaps for new faces. Robbie Manson has taken the place of Drysdale in the single sculls, while James Hunter and Tom Murray form the new men’s coxless pair. Behrent’s absence and partner Rebecca Scown’s switch solely to the women’s eight allows Grace Prendergast and Kerri Gowler to move into the women’s coxless pair.
The team members will compete at world cup meetings in Poland and Switzerland, as well as at the Henley Royal Regatta in the UK. A final trial in August will be held to select the crews for the world championships in the United States.
The selections reinforced the small boat priority, but also further developed the progress made in both eights.
High performance director Alan Cotter was happy with the make-up team.
"It’s an exciting squad with opportunities for new athletes and crews," he said.
"We’ve set ourselves a very high standard and there are some big shoes to fill but I’m confident these athletes can take up the challenge."
The crews will remain at Lake Karapiro to train, before departing for Europe on June 8.
