.jpg)
University College Dublin Boat Club (UCDBC) and University College Dublin Ladies Boat Club (UCDLBC) have amalgamated to form UCD Rowing Club, becoming the first Irish university’s men’s and women’s rowing clubs to combine as a single club.
The new season of rowing within UCD brings a brand new chapter and structure as the women's and men's clubs unite together for the first time in 2026.
Almost two years of discussion between athletes and alumni led both clubs agreeing that the amalgamation would build on existing strengths, allowing rowing in UCD to compete at an increasingly high level nationally and internationally.
These discussions began in September 2024, when a joint working group was established. The group presented its initial proposals to members of both clubs in June 2025. The idea gained unanimous support to progress with the plans.
The last twelve months saw continued progress in the details of the amalgamation, creating a constitution for UCD Rowing. In June 2026, the constitution and motions establishing the new club were approved unanimously by members of both clubs.
The name ‘UCD Rowing’ is a tribute to the club's historical roots. University College Dublin Boat Club (UCDBC) was originally founded as UCD Rowing Club in 1917 before changing its name in 1926. The return of the original name, fittingly ties together exactly 100 years since its initial change.
In its new structure, the club retains dedicated men’s and women’s squads while establishing a single club leadership through a Club Captain alongside men’s and women’s Squad Captains, who will be supported by a revised committee structure centred on collaboration between the two squads.
Club captain of UCD Rowing, Ross Mason, stated, “We’re very excited about this new club.”
“Both clubs come from positions of strength, with proud histories, strong squads and generations of athletes and alumni who have contributed enormously to their success.”
“We want to raise standards across both squads, provide the best possible environment for our athletes and ensure UCD is competing successfully and achieving results at the highest level.”
The club will be officially celebrating launch of the new UCD Rowing Club on February 6th ,2027 at the annual UCD Boat Ball.
The new era for the club will also bring about fresh a new crest, oar designs and kits. While the club name and elements of the crest are paying homage to the past, the new era of rowing in UCD aims to push for an even brighter future.