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Ready to Race: U23 Champs
The 2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships will take place from 23-27 July on the scenic Lake Malta regatta course in the heart of Poznań, Poland.
A venue rich in rowing history, Lake Malta has hosted multiple international regattas including the World Rowing Cups (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2024), the European Rowing Championships (2007, 2015, and 2020), and the World Rowing Championships in 2009. The U23 World Championships typically attract over 1,000 of the world's most promising young rowers, making it a highlight of the international rowing calendar.
The U23 World Championships are a critical step in the pathway to elite rowing, providing invaluable international racing experience. Athletes such as Oliver Welch, Rebecca Leigh, and Josh Vodanovich have all made the leap to the senior World Cup Elite team after medalling at U23 level last year. They also all made the A final in their respective crews at the recent World Cup in Varese, Italy and Oliver went on to win Gold in the Men's Coxless Pair.
Last year, New Zealand's U23 team had a remarkably successful campaign, taking home four medals. Standout performances included: Gold in the Women's Coxed Four, Gold in the Men's Coxless Pair (setting in a world record time), Silver in the Women's Coxless Four and Bronze in the Men's Coxless Four.
With momentum behind them, New Zealand's 2025 U23 squad is looking stronger than ever. Let's take a look at the team:
Men's U23 Single
Oscar Ruston, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Waikato
Coach: Nick Barton
Men's U23 Double Scull
Jack Pearson, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club/Otago University Rowing Club
Mathew King, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club
Coach: Mark Stallard
Women's U23 Double Scull
Charlize Tutbury, Waikato Rowing Club
Mackenzie Tuffin, Star Boating Club
Coach: Nick Barton
Women's U23 Coxless Four
Meg Flanagan, Wairau Rowing Club/University of Tennessee
Madeleine Parker, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Washington
Zola Kemp, Star Boating Club/University of Washington
Nicole Campbell, Nelson Rowing Club/University of Tennessee
Coach: Mark Stallard
Men's U23 Eight
Fred Vavasour, Wairau Rowing Club
Henry Kirk, Wairau Rowing Club/Lincoln University
Ben Shortt, West End Rowing Club/University of Washington
Harry Fitzpatrick, West End Rowing Club/University of Washington
Cody Johnson, Avon Rowing Club
Matthew Waddell, Waikato Rowing Club/University of California, Berkley
Nicholas Bryan, West End Rowing Club/Syracuse University
Edward Lopas, Waikato Rowing Club/Northeastern University
Oliver Duncan, Waikato Rowing Club/Lincoln University
Coach: Calvin Ferguson
Men's U23 Coxless Pair
Dylan McConnell, Waikato Rowing Club
Alex Fletcher, Cure Boating Club
Coach: Calvin Ferguson/Mark Stallard
Oscar Ruston, who impressed with a fourth-place finish in the Men's U23 Single Scull at the 2024 World Rowing Championships, returns in the same event with strong momentum behind him. He had a dominant domestic season, winning the U22 Single Scull by over eight seconds. Oscar also claimed gold in both the Premier Double (alongside Robbie Manson) and the Premier Quad and consistently challenged Elite squad members in the A finals at both the North Island and national championships. He'll be one to watch in Poznań as he hopes to get on the podium in 2025 after being so close in 2024.
Oscar Ruston, impressed with a fourth-place finish in the Men's U23 Single Scull at the 2024 U23 World Rowing Championships.
Oscar in stroke seat after winning the Premier Double at the 2025 NZ Rowing Championships with Robbie Manson. Photo: Picture Show Ltd
In the Men's U23 Eight, familiar faces return to bring experience to the crew. Ben Shortt and Edward Lopas, who secured bronze in the Coxless Four at last year's championships, will team up with Harry Fitzpatrick and Matthew Waddell, both members of the 2023 U23 Coxed Four. Fitzpatrick and Shortt have just come off a major win in the IRA Championships in New Jersey, racing together in the victorious University of Washington men's eight. The boat will be coxed by gold medallist Oliver Duncan, who steered the women's coxed four to victory last year. Nicholas Bryan joins the eight for his U23 debut after a standout trial week and a strong racing season at Syracuse University. Three New Zealand based athletes, Fred Vavasour, Henry Kirk, and Cody Johnson, will also be making their U23 debut in the eight, after strong summer racing seasons.
In the Men's U23 Coxless Pair, Dylan McConnell and Alex Fletcher earned their seats after an excellent showing at U23 trials. Both athletes collected multiple medals throughout the domestic season and will proudly make their world championships debuts in Poznań.
Jack Pearson, a member of last year's U23 men's quad, now shifts into the double scull alongside Mathew King. Their partnership is built on a solid domestic season with King winning silver in the U22 single and gold in the senior coxless quad, while Pearson secured second in the premier quad at the 2024 National Championships in Twizel.
The Women's Double Scull of Charlize Tutbury and Mackenzie Tuffin is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new combinations. The duo has been training together for several months, building cohesion and speed. Mackenzie was part of the Summer Performance Hub over the summer, training under Dick Tonks, and made significant strides, earning several domestic medals. Charlize also had a stellar season, highlighted by her U22 single scull title at Nationals. Both have previously represented New Zealand at U21 level, and now step up to their first U23 campaign.
From left to right: Madison Neale (Cure), Charlize Tutbury (Waikato) and Mackenzie Tuffin (Star) celebrate their medals after the U22 Single Sculls A Final at the 2025 NZ rowing Championships. Photo: Picture Show Ltd
In the Women's Coxless Four, Madeleine Parker returns, having previously earned a silver medal in this event last year. She is joined by three newcomers to the U23 stage: Zola Kemp, Nicole Campbell, and Meg Flanagan. Despite being U23 debutants, all three have made a big impression. Zola raced for the University of Washington, while Nicole and Meg competed for the University of Tennessee - all making the A final of the NCAA First Eights this season.
Lucy Burrell (B), Rebecca Leigh, Madeleine Parker, Alice Fahey (S) after claiming silver at the 2024 U23 World Champs.
What's the biggest thing you have learnt on your rowing journey that you are looking forward to applying to this campaign?
Charlize: I have learnt that success doesn't come overnight, to just trust in myself, my crew and coach, to trust the process and to show up and give my all even when it's tough and I am tired.
Edward: The biggest thing I've learnt in rowing is that as long as you do the work towards a standard you may likely never reach, it will put you on a pretty good track. For this crew leading into Poland, we know we don't have a long time together, but we are trying to optimise the time as much as possible. Most of our guys have raced internationally already and have competed at a very high level domestically. This provides a good platform for us to build off.
Oscar: Biggest thing I have learnt on my rowing journey is resilience and I will apply this to the campaign and through my whole life!
Meg: The biggest thing I've learnt in my rowing journey is sometimes it's not that deep. Being able to leave a bad practice on the water is so important for team culture and overall well-being. The more fun on the water you can have, the better!
How does it feel to be selected to represent New Zealand and what are you most looking forward too?
Charlize: It means so much to me and it's such a privilege to represent the country and wear the fern. I cannot wait to race on the world stage in the double with Mackenzie
Edward: It's a real privilege to be selected for this team and to be able to put on the black uniform. It's something most Kiwi kids and even adults dream of. Being able to represent my family and community is a great honour, and having this selection is something tangible I can show for all the support they've given me over the years.
Oscar: It always feels pretty good getting to represent your country on the world stage. I'm looking forward to the racing, but mostly the opportunity to win.
Meg: It's so exciting to be a part of the U23 team this year and get the chance to represent New Zealand in Poland. It's always been something I've thought about, but I wasn't sure if it was ever going to happen. I've never raced at a World Championship before, so I'm just looking forward to everything this campaign has to offer, competing for New Zealand and watching all my teammates succeed!
With the strength of this year's crews and the impressive calibre of athletes across the board, New Zealand's U23 team is shaping up to be ones to watch. We're excited to see how these talented rowers rise to the challenge when they line up against the best in the world at the 2025 U23 World Rowing Championships in Poznań, Poland.
We wish the entire team the very best of luck - your country is behind you, and we'll be cheering proudly from home!
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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Ready to Race: U23 Champs
The 2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships will take place from 23-27 July on the scenic Lake Malta regatta course in the heart of Poznań, Poland.
A venue rich in rowing history, Lake Malta has hosted multiple international regattas including the World Rowing Cups (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2024), the European Rowing Championships (2007, 2015, and 2020), and the World Rowing Championships in 2009. The U23 World Championships typically attract over 1,000 of the world's most promising young rowers, making it a highlight of the international rowing calendar.
The U23 World Championships are a critical step in the pathway to elite rowing, providing invaluable international racing experience. Athletes such as Oliver Welch, Rebecca Leigh, and Josh Vodanovich have all made the leap to the senior World Cup Elite team after medalling at U23 level last year. They also all made the A final in their respective crews at the recent World Cup in Varese, Italy and Oliver went on to win Gold in the Men's Coxless Pair.
Last year, New Zealand's U23 team had a remarkably successful campaign, taking home four medals. Standout performances included: Gold in the Women's Coxed Four, Gold in the Men's Coxless Pair (setting in a world record time), Silver in the Women's Coxless Four and Bronze in the Men's Coxless Four.
With momentum behind them, New Zealand's 2025 U23 squad is looking stronger than ever. Let's take a look at the team:
Men's U23 Single
Oscar Ruston, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Waikato
Coach: Nick Barton
Men's U23 Double Scull
Jack Pearson, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club/Otago University Rowing Club
Mathew King, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club
Coach: Mark Stallard
Women's U23 Double Scull
Charlize Tutbury, Waikato Rowing Club
Mackenzie Tuffin, Star Boating Club
Coach: Nick Barton
Women's U23 Coxless Four
Meg Flanagan, Wairau Rowing Club/University of Tennessee
Madeleine Parker, Waikato Rowing Club/University of Washington
Zola Kemp, Star Boating Club/University of Washington
Nicole Campbell, Nelson Rowing Club/University of Tennessee
Coach: Mark Stallard
Men's U23 Eight
Fred Vavasour, Wairau Rowing Club
Henry Kirk, Wairau Rowing Club/Lincoln University
Ben Shortt, West End Rowing Club/University of Washington
Harry Fitzpatrick, West End Rowing Club/University of Washington
Cody Johnson, Avon Rowing Club
Matthew Waddell, Waikato Rowing Club/University of California, Berkley
Nicholas Bryan, West End Rowing Club/Syracuse University
Edward Lopas, Waikato Rowing Club/Northeastern University
Oliver Duncan, Waikato Rowing Club/Lincoln University
Coach: Calvin Ferguson
Men's U23 Coxless Pair
Dylan McConnell, Waikato Rowing Club
Alex Fletcher, Cure Boating Club
Coach: Calvin Ferguson/Mark Stallard
Oscar Ruston, who impressed with a fourth-place finish in the Men's U23 Single Scull at the 2024 World Rowing Championships, returns in the same event with strong momentum behind him. He had a dominant domestic season, winning the U22 Single Scull by over eight seconds. Oscar also claimed gold in both the Premier Double (alongside Robbie Manson) and the Premier Quad and consistently challenged Elite squad members in the A finals at both the North Island and national championships. He'll be one to watch in Poznań as he hopes to get on the podium in 2025 after being so close in 2024.
Oscar Ruston, impressed with a fourth-place finish in the Men's U23 Single Scull at the 2024 U23 World Rowing Championships.
Oscar in stroke seat after winning the Premier Double at the 2025 NZ Rowing Championships with Robbie Manson. Photo: Picture Show Ltd
In the Men's U23 Eight, familiar faces return to bring experience to the crew. Ben Shortt and Edward Lopas, who secured bronze in the Coxless Four at last year's championships, will team up with Harry Fitzpatrick and Matthew Waddell, both members of the 2023 U23 Coxed Four. Fitzpatrick and Shortt have just come off a major win in the IRA Championships in New Jersey, racing together in the victorious University of Washington men's eight. The boat will be coxed by gold medallist Oliver Duncan, who steered the women's coxed four to victory last year. Nicholas Bryan joins the eight for his U23 debut after a standout trial week and a strong racing season at Syracuse University. Three New Zealand based athletes, Fred Vavasour, Henry Kirk, and Cody Johnson, will also be making their U23 debut in the eight, after strong summer racing seasons.
In the Men's U23 Coxless Pair, Dylan McConnell and Alex Fletcher earned their seats after an excellent showing at U23 trials. Both athletes collected multiple medals throughout the domestic season and will proudly make their world championships debuts in Poznań.
Jack Pearson, a member of last year's U23 men's quad, now shifts into the double scull alongside Mathew King. Their partnership is built on a solid domestic season with King winning silver in the U22 single and gold in the senior coxless quad, while Pearson secured second in the premier quad at the 2024 National Championships in Twizel.
The Women's Double Scull of Charlize Tutbury and Mackenzie Tuffin is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new combinations. The duo has been training together for several months, building cohesion and speed. Mackenzie was part of the Summer Performance Hub over the summer, training under Dick Tonks, and made significant strides, earning several domestic medals. Charlize also had a stellar season, highlighted by her U22 single scull title at Nationals. Both have previously represented New Zealand at U21 level, and now step up to their first U23 campaign.
From left to right: Madison Neale (Cure), Charlize Tutbury (Waikato) and Mackenzie Tuffin (Star) celebrate their medals after the U22 Single Sculls A Final at the 2025 NZ rowing Championships. Photo: Picture Show Ltd
In the Women's Coxless Four, Madeleine Parker returns, having previously earned a silver medal in this event last year. She is joined by three newcomers to the U23 stage: Zola Kemp, Nicole Campbell, and Meg Flanagan. Despite being U23 debutants, all three have made a big impression. Zola raced for the University of Washington, while Nicole and Meg competed for the University of Tennessee - all making the A final of the NCAA First Eights this season.
Lucy Burrell (B), Rebecca Leigh, Madeleine Parker, Alice Fahey (S) after claiming silver at the 2024 U23 World Champs.
What's the biggest thing you have learnt on your rowing journey that you are looking forward to applying to this campaign?
Charlize: I have learnt that success doesn't come overnight, to just trust in myself, my crew and coach, to trust the process and to show up and give my all even when it's tough and I am tired.
Edward: The biggest thing I've learnt in rowing is that as long as you do the work towards a standard you may likely never reach, it will put you on a pretty good track. For this crew leading into Poland, we know we don't have a long time together, but we are trying to optimise the time as much as possible. Most of our guys have raced internationally already and have competed at a very high level domestically. This provides a good platform for us to build off.
Oscar: Biggest thing I have learnt on my rowing journey is resilience and I will apply this to the campaign and through my whole life!
Meg: The biggest thing I've learnt in my rowing journey is sometimes it's not that deep. Being able to leave a bad practice on the water is so important for team culture and overall well-being. The more fun on the water you can have, the better!
How does it feel to be selected to represent New Zealand and what are you most looking forward too?
Charlize: It means so much to me and it's such a privilege to represent the country and wear the fern. I cannot wait to race on the world stage in the double with Mackenzie
Edward: It's a real privilege to be selected for this team and to be able to put on the black uniform. It's something most Kiwi kids and even adults dream of. Being able to represent my family and community is a great honour, and having this selection is something tangible I can show for all the support they've given me over the years.
Oscar: It always feels pretty good getting to represent your country on the world stage. I'm looking forward to the racing, but mostly the opportunity to win.
Meg: It's so exciting to be a part of the U23 team this year and get the chance to represent New Zealand in Poland. It's always been something I've thought about, but I wasn't sure if it was ever going to happen. I've never raced at a World Championship before, so I'm just looking forward to everything this campaign has to offer, competing for New Zealand and watching all my teammates succeed!
With the strength of this year's crews and the impressive calibre of athletes across the board, New Zealand's U23 team is shaping up to be ones to watch. We're excited to see how these talented rowers rise to the challenge when they line up against the best in the world at the 2025 U23 World Rowing Championships in Poznań, Poland.
We wish the entire team the very best of luck - your country is behind you, and we'll be cheering proudly from home!
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.
