In a dramatic day on the River Taff last Saturday, Swansea University came out on top in both the men’s and women’s novice races at the 2025 Welsh Varsity Boat Race, despite Cardiff’s strong performances and determination under chaotic conditions.
Following impressive showings at WEHoRR and HoRR last month, Cardiff’s novice A crews were well prepared and motivated to make a difference at Varsity. A sizeable Cardiff and Swansea crowd made their way down to the course, lining the banks and bringing plenty of noise and spirit to cheer on their teams.
The women’s novice race turned into a test of pure grit. After choosing the Grangetown side (the natural advantage), the game faces were on and they were determined to beat out the Swans. Unfortunately, midway through the race, one of the seats came loose, flying off and striking the rower behind. Leaving Poppy Hemming to row the final stretch seatless, forced to slide across metal with each stroke. Things only got worse when on the final stretch, just as the race was set up to be won, the Cardiff crew collided with a swan, causing an unexpected and jarring halt to their race. Despite all of this chaos, the crew powered on. Swansea capitalised on the disruption, pulling ahead and claiming their first victory of the day.
No matter the unexpected issues, the novice women crew came off with smiling faces and were happy to say they raced.
The men’s novice race was no less intense. Both crews battled neck-and-neck until Cardiff caught a crab—a rowing mishap that jolted the boat and broke their rhythm. Swansea seized the opportunity and gained crucial distance. The Cardiff crew were cheered on by the crowd, as they carried on with power, determined to gain back the distance and possibly go for the win. As the boats pushed through the brutal headwinds, turning the closing stretch into a brutal slog, Swansea crossed the line first, sealing their third novice men’s Varsity win.
The event showcased not just rowing ability, but character.
Both novice Cardiff crews displayed incredible resilience under pressure, refusing to fold in the face of swans, seat mishaps, high winds, and hard racing. Varsity continues to be a cornerstone of Welsh university rowing, offering novice rowers their first taste of high stakes head-to-head racing. Swansea may have won this time, but the rivalry is far from over. Cardiff will have their shot at redemption soon, with BUCS Regatta weekend fast approaching.