12 April 2018

Rob Baker has been appointed Chief Coach of Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC), the club announced on 10 April. Baker is replacing Steve Trapmore, who took up a position as high performance coach at GB Rowing after this year’s Boat Race in March. For the past six years, Baker has been in charge of coaching at Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club (CUWBC).

Ewan Pearson, CUBC Executive Chairman, who chaired the selection committee, said, ‘I am very happy indeed to welcome Rob to the role. His coaching record and extensive Tideway-experience speak for themselves, and I look forward to seeing him working with the squad to build on the momentum generated by Steve Trapmore.’

‘I am tremendously excited to come back to CUBC after ten years away. When I started at CUBC 17 years ago I was an apprentice coach. I was lucky to work with some of the best coaches in the world and learn my craft. Returning to CUBC with international coaching experience and having led the CUWBC to Boat Race successes I believe that I have a lot to offer and will build on Steve Trapmore’s great work,’ Baker said, according to CUBC’s website. ‘I am looking forward to building the relationship between all Cambridge clubs and seeing success for Cambridge rowing across the board. I have received much support from old Blues and Goldies and I am excited to work with them again and to help create the winning Blue Boats and Goldies of the future.’

In a statement, Cath Bishop, chair of CUWBC, said, ‘We wish Rob Baker all the best in his new challenge working with the Cambridge men’s team. We are delighted that Rob will continue to play a role in ensuring ongoing Light Blue success at the Boat Races and beyond, and would like to thank him for his immense contribution to the CUWBC programme over the last 6 years.’

Losing Baker to CUBC, CUWBC announced that they will join the performance programmes with Cambridge University Lightweight Rowing Club across the openweight women and lightweight men and women, according to CUBC’s website. Assistant Coach Patrick Ryan will continue to coach and develop the scholar athletes alongside the club’s wider professional team.

Recruitment for the newly-expanded position of Chief Coach to lead the combined programmes of openweight women and lightweight men and women will begin soon.