This year’s Cambridge Women’s Trial VIII’s crews sought inspiration from pioneering athletes in another field of sport – football.

Read on to find out more.

Crews are subject to change.

Head Coach Paddy Ryan said “I’m happy that the crews have chosen the boat names to represent female athletes who’ve taken a stand towards equality in sport.”

The Boats

CUBC Women’s President Caoimhe Dempsey told us the story behind this year’s boat names, saying: “Paying tribute to a huge year in women’s football, seeing the Lionesses receive some of the most attention ever paid to women’s sport and the US announcing equal pay for male and female athletes, we named our crews after two of the world’s greatest footballers: Megan Rapinoe and Beth Mead. Both are inspirational and huge advocates for women’s sport.”