New Summer Squad Athletes
This year’s Summer Squad features a mix of familiar faces, members of the 2026 World Championships team and some exciting new talent ready to make their mark in New Zealand rowing.
Following their gold-medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Olympic Champions Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis are returning to training on Lake Karāpiro after two seasons away from the programme. Their return is a welcome boost for the women’s squad - and we’re sure it will be great to see their families and kids back around the lake too.
World Champions Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis after winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tom Murray and Matt Macdonald, Olympic silver medallists in the Men’s Four at Paris 2024 and Olympic Champions in the Men’s Eight at Tokyo 2020, are returning to the Summer Squad and will join the men’s programme.
They’ll be joined by Ollie Maclean and Logan Ullrich, who claimed silver alongside Tom and Matt in the Men’s Four at Paris 2024.
Ollie and Matt returned to the programme this year for the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, having not been part of the Summer Squad for the previous two years. Logan is also returning to the squad following a winter of cross-training as he recovered from injury.
The Men's Four of ollie maclean, logan ullrich, tom murray and stroke matt macdonald who claimed silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Phillip Wilson, a Paris 2024 Olympian and Olympic Champion in the Men’s Eight at Tokyo 2020, is also rejoining the squad after spending the past couple of years overseas studying and working.
Phillip Wilson (s) and daniel williamson racing in the men's pair at the 2024 Paris OIympics.
We’re delighted to welcome these experienced athletes back into the programme. Their experience, proven success and commitment will add plenty to the squad as the next chapter of the Olympic cycle gets underway.
Brooke Francis: “I’m very excited to be back for Summer Squad. Honestly what I am most looking forward to is training with other people. It’s been a long Winter doing it mostly on my own.
My time away post the Olympics feels like it’s flown by. Welcoming Flynn into our family has been very special and I’ve loved having a bit of extra time with the kids. I’m excited for them to experience a bit of rowing life this summer too!”
Phil Wilson: “Returning to the summer squad after a couple of years away is very exciting and the timing feels right for me. After Paris, I knew I needed some time to let my body recover, my mind focus on something a little different, and know that my heart still had a love for rowing. Now that I have achieved this, I am so excited for the next couple of years leading into the LA Olympics. Additionally, being able to work with familiar faces at Rowing NZ, along with many new ones like Meg & Ben, is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Special mention also to Alice Fahey, Katie Lush, Eva Hofmans and Arie Rasmussen Magasiva, who will be part of the Summer Squad for the first time.
All four athletes have previously been selected for World Cup and/or World Championship teams, while spending last summer in the Hub and club rowing programmes. Their progression into the Summer Squad is a reflection of the strong performances they have produced over the past season and their continued development within the Rowing New Zealand Pathway.
Two new athletes will also join the Summer Squad this year, with Meg Flanagan and Ben Shortt earning their places following impressive performances and results during their university careers in the United States and international racing.
Both athletes have recently completed their studies at their respective American universities and now return to New Zealand ready to take the next step in their rowing careers.
Their selection reflects Rowing New Zealand’s belief in their potential and the value they can bring to the programme as they develop towards the Rowing New Zealand Elite team.
Meg Flanagan
Meg began her rowing career at Marlborough Girls’ College, where she enjoyed early success and quickly established herself as a talented young athlete.
Meg was selected to represent New Zealand in the U19 Four in 2021 and the U21 Four in 2022. Later that year, Meg began her university career at the University of Tennessee, where she continued to develop her rowing career.
During her time at Tennessee, Meg gained valuable high-performance racing experience and represented New Zealand at the 2025 U23 World Championships, winning a bronze medal in the Women’s Four.
Most recently, in 2026, she was a member of Tennessee’s Bronze Medal-winning First Varsity Eight at the NCAA Championships.
The crew crossed the line in an impressive time of 5:51.450, demonstrating Meg’s ability to perform at the highest level of collegiate rowing as well as posting some very impressive times.
Meg continued to impress on her return to New Zealand, racing in a Women’s Pairs at the Rowing NZ Performance Pathway Regatta. Her performances demonstrated her strong capability and continued development, catching the attention of selectors and highlighting her potential at the international level.
After a successful few years of rowing both in New Zealand and overseas, Meg has earned her spot in the 2026 New Zealand Summer Squad. She’s now looking forward to racing in the domestic season and continuing to build towards representing New Zealand on the international stage.
Meg claimed bronze with her Women's Four crew at 2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Poznan, Poland. Crew: nicole campbell (b), zola kemp (2), madeleine parker (3) meg flanagan (s)
Ben Shortt
Ben began his rowing journey at Auckland Grammar School and in his last year won a national title in the Boys’ U18 Four at the Maadi Regatta.
Following school, Ben headed to the University of Washington, where he continued to excel and establish himself as a high-level collegiate rower.
Ben's most recent success came in 2026, when he rowed in Four seat of the University of Washington Varsity Eight that won gold at the IRA National Championship Regatta. During his time in Washington, Ben also gained plenty of international experience representing New Zealand at the U23 World Championships. In 2023, he raced in the Coxed Four that finished fifth, before going on to win bronze in the Men’s Coxless Four in 2024 and silver in the Men’s Eight in 2025.
Ben returned to New Zealand in July 2026 to compete at the Rowing NZ Performance Pathway Regatta. His consistently strong racing and ability to perform under pressure impressed selectors and demonstrated his continued progression as an athlete.
These performances, together with his strong collegiate and international record, earned Ben selection into the New Zealand Summer Squad for 2026.
Ben claimed silver with his Men's Eight crew at the 2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Poznan, Poland. Crew: Edward Lopas (b), Cody Johnson, Matthew Waddell, Nicholas Bryan, Henry Kirk, Benjamin Shortt, Harry Fitzpatrick, Fred Vavasour (s), Oliver Duncan (c),
How does it feel to be selected into the NZ Elite Summer Squad?
Ben Shortt: “It’s a huge privilege to be selected into the Summer Squad, but also a huge challenge that I look forward to.”
Meg Flanagan: “I was so excited when I found out I had been selected for the Summer Squad! To be able to continue rowing alongside such talented athletes is such an amazing opportunity.”
What are you most looking forward to for this season ahead?
Ben Shortt: “I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into a new and competitive environment here and learning from all the experience around me.”
Meg Flanagan: “Settling back into domestic rowing. Having raced overseas for the last four years across America, I’m so excited to get the chance to get back on the water at Lake Karāpiro and Lake Ruataniwha.”
What’s something you have learnt in your rowing career so far you will be bringing with you into this season?
Ben Shortt: “A learning that I’m looking to take forward into this season is recognising and celebrating small successes that are steps towards larger goals.”
Meg Flanagan: “I always try to learn from my teammates! Over the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to row and race with incredibly talented women who have taught me so much, and I’m sure that will continue this season. Also, to have some fun while training :)”
We’re excited to welcome both Meg and Ben into the squad and look forward to seeing what they can achieve in the next chapter of their rowing journeys.
FULL SUMMER SQUAD LIST:
Women:
Alana Sherman, Waikato Rowing Club
Alice Fahey, Star Boating Club/University of Tennessee
Brooke Francis, Waikato Rowing Club
Ella Cossill, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Washington
Eva Hofmans, Waikato Rowing Club
Isla Blake, Waikato Rowing Club/University of San Diego
Juliette Lequeux, Otago University Rowing Club/University of Otago
Kate Haines, Waikato Rowing Club
Katherine Lush, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Waikato
Kathryn Glen, Avon Rowing Club
Lucy Spoors, Canterbury Rowing Club
Meg Flanagan, Wairau Rowing Club/University of Tennessee
Olivia Hay, North Shore Rowing Club/University of Washington
Rebecca Leigh, Cambridge Rowing Club/Stanford University
Shakira Mirfin, Invercargill Rowing Club/University of Washington
Sophie Egnot-Johnson, Waikato Rowing Club
Stella Clayton-Greene, Hauraki Plains Rowing Club
Veronica Wall, Ashburton Rowing Club/Yale University
Men:
Arie Rasmussen Magasiva, Star Boating Club/University of Auckland
Benjamin Shortt, West End Rowing Club/University of Washington
Ben Mason, Avon Rowing Club
Ben Taylor, Avon Rowing Club
Campbell Crouch, Waikato Rowing Club
Finn Hamill, Waikato Rowing Club
Fred Vavasour, Wairau Rowing Club/University of Otago
Harry Fitzpatrick, West End Rowing Club/University of Washington
Josh Vodanovich, Waikato Rowing Club
Logan Ullrich, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Washington
Matthew Macdonald, North Shore Rowing Club
Oliver Maclean, North Shore Rowing Club/University of California, Berkeley
Oliver Welch, Avon Rowing Club/University of Canterbury
Oscar Ruston, Waikato Rowing Club
Phillip Wilson, Petone Rowing Club/University of Otago
Thomas Murray, Blenheim Rowing Club
Kate Haines
Kate Haines has been part of the New Zealand Rowing Team and is studying Accounting at Massey University. She is NZ Olympian #1567, who competed in the Paris Olympics.
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New Summer Squad Athletes
This year’s Summer Squad features a mix of familiar faces, members of the 2026 World Championships team and some exciting new talent ready to make their mark in New Zealand rowing.
Following their gold-medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Olympic Champions Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis are returning to training on Lake Karāpiro after two seasons away from the programme. Their return is a welcome boost for the women’s squad - and we’re sure it will be great to see their families and kids back around the lake too.
World Champions Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis after winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tom Murray and Matt Macdonald, Olympic silver medallists in the Men’s Four at Paris 2024 and Olympic Champions in the Men’s Eight at Tokyo 2020, are returning to the Summer Squad and will join the men’s programme.
They’ll be joined by Ollie Maclean and Logan Ullrich, who claimed silver alongside Tom and Matt in the Men’s Four at Paris 2024.
Ollie and Matt returned to the programme this year for the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, having not been part of the Summer Squad for the previous two years. Logan is also returning to the squad following a winter of cross-training as he recovered from injury.
The Men's Four of ollie maclean, logan ullrich, tom murray and stroke matt macdonald who claimed silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Phillip Wilson, a Paris 2024 Olympian and Olympic Champion in the Men’s Eight at Tokyo 2020, is also rejoining the squad after spending the past couple of years overseas studying and working.
Phillip Wilson (s) and daniel williamson racing in the men's pair at the 2024 Paris OIympics.
We’re delighted to welcome these experienced athletes back into the programme. Their experience, proven success and commitment will add plenty to the squad as the next chapter of the Olympic cycle gets underway.
Brooke Francis: “I’m very excited to be back for Summer Squad. Honestly what I am most looking forward to is training with other people. It’s been a long Winter doing it mostly on my own.
My time away post the Olympics feels like it’s flown by. Welcoming Flynn into our family has been very special and I’ve loved having a bit of extra time with the kids. I’m excited for them to experience a bit of rowing life this summer too!”
Phil Wilson: “Returning to the summer squad after a couple of years away is very exciting and the timing feels right for me. After Paris, I knew I needed some time to let my body recover, my mind focus on something a little different, and know that my heart still had a love for rowing. Now that I have achieved this, I am so excited for the next couple of years leading into the LA Olympics. Additionally, being able to work with familiar faces at Rowing NZ, along with many new ones like Meg & Ben, is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Special mention also to Alice Fahey, Katie Lush, Eva Hofmans and Arie Rasmussen Magasiva, who will be part of the Summer Squad for the first time.
All four athletes have previously been selected for World Cup and/or World Championship teams, while spending last summer in the Hub and club rowing programmes. Their progression into the Summer Squad is a reflection of the strong performances they have produced over the past season and their continued development within the Rowing New Zealand Pathway.
Two new athletes will also join the Summer Squad this year, with Meg Flanagan and Ben Shortt earning their places following impressive performances and results during their university careers in the United States and international racing.
Both athletes have recently completed their studies at their respective American universities and now return to New Zealand ready to take the next step in their rowing careers.
Their selection reflects Rowing New Zealand’s belief in their potential and the value they can bring to the programme as they develop towards the Rowing New Zealand Elite team.
Meg Flanagan
Meg began her rowing career at Marlborough Girls’ College, where she enjoyed early success and quickly established herself as a talented young athlete.
Meg was selected to represent New Zealand in the U19 Four in 2021 and the U21 Four in 2022. Later that year, Meg began her university career at the University of Tennessee, where she continued to develop her rowing career.
During her time at Tennessee, Meg gained valuable high-performance racing experience and represented New Zealand at the 2025 U23 World Championships, winning a bronze medal in the Women’s Four.
Most recently, in 2026, she was a member of Tennessee’s Bronze Medal-winning First Varsity Eight at the NCAA Championships.
The crew crossed the line in an impressive time of 5:51.450, demonstrating Meg’s ability to perform at the highest level of collegiate rowing as well as posting some very impressive times.
Meg continued to impress on her return to New Zealand, racing in a Women’s Pairs at the Rowing NZ Performance Pathway Regatta. Her performances demonstrated her strong capability and continued development, catching the attention of selectors and highlighting her potential at the international level.
After a successful few years of rowing both in New Zealand and overseas, Meg has earned her spot in the 2026 New Zealand Summer Squad. She’s now looking forward to racing in the domestic season and continuing to build towards representing New Zealand on the international stage.
Meg claimed bronze with her Women's Four crew at 2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Poznan, Poland. Crew: nicole campbell (b), zola kemp (2), madeleine parker (3) meg flanagan (s)
Ben Shortt
Ben began his rowing journey at Auckland Grammar School and in his last year won a national title in the Boys’ U18 Four at the Maadi Regatta.
Following school, Ben headed to the University of Washington, where he continued to excel and establish himself as a high-level collegiate rower.
Ben's most recent success came in 2026, when he rowed in Four seat of the University of Washington Varsity Eight that won gold at the IRA National Championship Regatta. During his time in Washington, Ben also gained plenty of international experience representing New Zealand at the U23 World Championships. In 2023, he raced in the Coxed Four that finished fifth, before going on to win bronze in the Men’s Coxless Four in 2024 and silver in the Men’s Eight in 2025.
Ben returned to New Zealand in July 2026 to compete at the Rowing NZ Performance Pathway Regatta. His consistently strong racing and ability to perform under pressure impressed selectors and demonstrated his continued progression as an athlete.
These performances, together with his strong collegiate and international record, earned Ben selection into the New Zealand Summer Squad for 2026.
Ben claimed silver with his Men's Eight crew at the 2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Poznan, Poland. Crew: Edward Lopas (b), Cody Johnson, Matthew Waddell, Nicholas Bryan, Henry Kirk, Benjamin Shortt, Harry Fitzpatrick, Fred Vavasour (s), Oliver Duncan (c),
How does it feel to be selected into the NZ Elite Summer Squad?
Ben Shortt: “It’s a huge privilege to be selected into the Summer Squad, but also a huge challenge that I look forward to.”
Meg Flanagan: “I was so excited when I found out I had been selected for the Summer Squad! To be able to continue rowing alongside such talented athletes is such an amazing opportunity.”
What are you most looking forward to for this season ahead?
Ben Shortt: “I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into a new and competitive environment here and learning from all the experience around me.”
Meg Flanagan: “Settling back into domestic rowing. Having raced overseas for the last four years across America, I’m so excited to get the chance to get back on the water at Lake Karāpiro and Lake Ruataniwha.”
What’s something you have learnt in your rowing career so far you will be bringing with you into this season?
Ben Shortt: “A learning that I’m looking to take forward into this season is recognising and celebrating small successes that are steps towards larger goals.”
Meg Flanagan: “I always try to learn from my teammates! Over the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to row and race with incredibly talented women who have taught me so much, and I’m sure that will continue this season. Also, to have some fun while training :)”
We’re excited to welcome both Meg and Ben into the squad and look forward to seeing what they can achieve in the next chapter of their rowing journeys.
FULL SUMMER SQUAD LIST:
Women:
Alana Sherman, Waikato Rowing Club
Alice Fahey, Star Boating Club/University of Tennessee
Brooke Francis, Waikato Rowing Club
Ella Cossill, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Washington
Eva Hofmans, Waikato Rowing Club
Isla Blake, Waikato Rowing Club/University of San Diego
Juliette Lequeux, Otago University Rowing Club/University of Otago
Kate Haines, Waikato Rowing Club
Katherine Lush, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Waikato
Kathryn Glen, Avon Rowing Club
Lucy Spoors, Canterbury Rowing Club
Meg Flanagan, Wairau Rowing Club/University of Tennessee
Olivia Hay, North Shore Rowing Club/University of Washington
Rebecca Leigh, Cambridge Rowing Club/Stanford University
Shakira Mirfin, Invercargill Rowing Club/University of Washington
Sophie Egnot-Johnson, Waikato Rowing Club
Stella Clayton-Greene, Hauraki Plains Rowing Club
Veronica Wall, Ashburton Rowing Club/Yale University
Men:
Arie Rasmussen Magasiva, Star Boating Club/University of Auckland
Benjamin Shortt, West End Rowing Club/University of Washington
Ben Mason, Avon Rowing Club
Ben Taylor, Avon Rowing Club
Campbell Crouch, Waikato Rowing Club
Finn Hamill, Waikato Rowing Club
Fred Vavasour, Wairau Rowing Club/University of Otago
Harry Fitzpatrick, West End Rowing Club/University of Washington
Josh Vodanovich, Waikato Rowing Club
Logan Ullrich, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Washington
Matthew Macdonald, North Shore Rowing Club
Oliver Maclean, North Shore Rowing Club/University of California, Berkeley
Oliver Welch, Avon Rowing Club/University of Canterbury
Oscar Ruston, Waikato Rowing Club
Phillip Wilson, Petone Rowing Club/University of Otago
Thomas Murray, Blenheim Rowing Club
Kate Haines
Kate Haines has been part of the New Zealand Rowing Team and is studying Accounting at Massey University. She is NZ Olympian #1567, who competed in the Paris Olympics.
