England Rowing announce 2026 Selection Policies & Event Delivery Development Opportunities
The Selection Policies cover the 2026 Home International Rowing Regatta and Home International Rowing Beach Sprints
In 2025, England Rowing made history at the Home International Rowing Regatta (HIRR), winning all four trophies for the third consecutive year, becoming the first nation to win all four trophies four years in a row. Whilst on the beach in Ireland, the team finished second overall at the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints (HIRBS), and will be looking to gain a victory once again this year in Scotland. Both policies have now been updated for 2026, aligning with changes made by the General Management Committee of Home International Rowing.
For 2026, the HIRR will see the removal of the coxed four as a boat category and will be replaced with a U23 pair for seniors and a (B) pair for Juniors. This will mean all rowers now have 3 rows with all scullers doubling up into the quads and all sweep rowers doubling up into the eight for both 2km and 500m races.
Meanwhile, at the HIRBS, the event will see a pilot for a Mixed Ability double. This category will see a PR3 rower joined by a member of the reserves to race in this event. As this is a pilot event, it will not be included in the points towards the trophy.
Another change for the HIRR England team this year will see all crews selected through the England Trials, planned for Saturday, 11 July 2026, at the National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham.
Looking to further support developing pathway athletes, England will also be targeting specific junior rowers for the (B) boats who have at least one year remaining to trial for the U19 GB Rowing Teams. This will see these junior rowers required to provide an ergo score to be considered for this boat.
Coxswains will continue to be selected through the GB U23 and U19 coxes selection process.
Event Delivery Development Opportunity – Home International Rowing Regatta (Volunteer Role)
British Rowing is looking for volunteers to help with the pre-event planning and on-the-day running of the Home International Rowing Regatta (HIRR).
We are specifically looking for volunteers who would like to gain experience in being part of a team planning a sporting event. We are looking for people who can help organise and manage the logistics of the event to ensure the event runs smoothly and to a high standard.
Those working as part of the team will work with British Rowing Event staff and volunteers to learn how rowing events like these run by organising the event, supported by those with experience.
More information about the opportunity and how to apply can be found here.
HIRR Trials and Selection Information
This year’s HIRR trial will return to the National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, on Saturday, 11 July 2026. Coach registration and (B) Junior Ergo submission are both now open, and crew entries will open at 12:00 (noon) on Monday, 15 June 2026. All will close at 12:00 (noon) on Thursday, 9 July 2025, on BROE.
Find out more about the England Rowing (HIRR) Team here.
HIRBS Selection Information
In 2026, Scotland will be hosting the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints (HIRBS), on Saturday, 19 September 2026, on Nairn Beach, Nairn.
Registration for athletes and coaches is now open and will close at 23:59 on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
Find out more about the England Rowing (HIRBS) Team here.
England Rowing on Social Media
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