Thames Upriver: Reigning region splits into three ahead of this year’s Junior Inter Regional Regatta

The move, tripling the racing opportunities for clubs in the Thames Upriver region, brings the total number of racing teams to 16

Thames Upriver’s historic wins at the Junior Inter Regional Regatta (JIRR) have made the exceptional, expected. The team has finished on top of the overall table every time in the nine years the competition has run since 2014, with the exception of 2017, where the victory went to Thames London. They’ve seen consistent wins across the Boys and Girls overall trophies too, winning six out of nine in both categories.

“I am sure all three teams will compete strongly and I am excited to see how this development works out.” – Mark Wilkinson, Team Manager for the three Thames Upriver teams

For many, including past Olympic rowers, the Junior Inter Regional Regatta is the first step on a path that leads to international representation. Young athletes from across England, Scotland and Wales race not only for individual clubs, but also as a team representing their region. Competition is fierce, support from the banks is strong and every point gained counts. A consistent performance across the board is just as important as a gold medal.

This year, Thames Upriver is splitting into three separate teams; Thames Upriver Central, Thames Upriver East and Thames Upriver West. The Junior Inter Regional Regatta welcomed Scotland as a new team for the first time in 2024, bringing the regions from twelve to thirteen. Last year, Thames London was split into Thames London and Thames London West. This latest change gives the competition 16 individual teams vying for the various trophies, including Overall, Boys, Girls, Single Sculls and the Martin Humphrys Cup for highest ranked team from last year’s 7-14th placings.

Thames Upriver collect the Victores Ludorum Trophy at the Junior Inter Regional Regatta 2025. Credit: AllMarkOne

26 events will be raced at the Junior Inter Regional Regatta, taking place on Saturday, 25 April 2026 at Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Nottingham. Most events allow one entry per region, with the exception of the single sculling boat classes, which allow two. There is also racing for adaptive competitors, which has seen entries grow every year. Splitting Thames Upriver, one of the largest British Rowing regions, allows up to 52 more crews of young athletes the chance to compete.

With 96 places up for grabs across the Thames Upriver region, selections took place  at Dorney Lake on 6 March 2026. Four divisions of racing contained 165 races with 20 clubs putting themselves up for selection Those races will be the last time the three teams’ clubs compete against each other – soon, they’ll be heading to Nottingham in three different shades of blue, ready to race as a combined force.

Mark Wilkinson is Team Manager for all three Thames Upriver teams. “With the sub division of Thames Upriver there was a degree of anticipation in heading to Dorney Lake for the trials, which were amalgamated together back in March. The trial was extremely well attended and a great days racing was had by all, and it was excellent to form three strong Thames Upriver teams to head to Nottingham for the Junior Inter Regional Regatta in April. I am sure all three teams will compete strongly and I am excited to see how this development works out.”

Thames Upriver’s victories over the last twelve years have been consistent, and whether this latest change shakes their firm grip on the Victor Ludorum will be down to the day’s racing. One thing is for certain; the Junior Inter Regional Regatta is unique as an event which brings so many clubs together under regional and team banners, and two more teams on the start line means a whole new set of supporters ready to cheer their crews across the finish line.