April 16, 2019

Team SA rowing places third in Italy

It was an exciting weekend for South African rowing as the RMB National Squad took part in the Regatta Internazionale Memorial Paolo d’Aloja in Piediluco, Italy. 

The RMB National Squad is a year away from Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with this being the first international regatta of the year.

This specific regatta is recognised internationally for its high quality of technical and competitive rowing as it attracts numerous Olympic and world champion rowers from across the globe.

South Africa came third out of 31 countries in the regatta, behind Italy and Romania, bringing home seven medals – two gold, four silver and one bronze.

Here are the RMB National Squad results:

Regatta 1

Men’s four: bronze 

  • Jake Green
  • Kyle Schoonbee
  • Sandro Torrente
  • David Hunt 

Men’s pair: silver 

  • Lawrence Brittain 
  • John Smith 

Men’s pair: sixth 

  • Charles Brittain
  • Luc Daffarn 

Men’s pair: 10th 

  • Brad Betts 
  • Mzi Sotsaka

Men’s scull: 14th 

  • Thabelo Masutha 

Lightweight women’s scull: gold 

  • Ursula Grobler

Lightweight women’s double: silver 

  • Kirsten McCann
  • Nicole van Wyk

Regatta 2

Men’s four: gold

  • Jake Green
  • John Smith
  • Lawrence Brittain
  • David Hunt 

Men’s pair: fourth 

  • Sandro Torrente 
  • Kyle Schoonbee

Men’s pair: sixth 

  • Charles Brittain 
  • Luc Daffarn 

Men’s pair: ninth

  • Brad Betts 
  • Mzi Sotsaka 

Men’s scull: 14th

  • Thabelo Masutha 

Lightweight women’s scull: silver 

  • Nicole van Wyk

Lightweight women’s double: silver 

  • Kirsten McCann
  • Ursula Grobler 

Men’s eight: fourth

  • Sandro Torrente
  • John Smith
  • Lawrence Brittain
  • Kyle Schoonbee
  • Jake Green
  • David Hunt
  • Charles Brittain
  • Luc Daffarn

Roger Barrows, head coach, says “Piediluco is an important  regatta as it’s the first international regatta of the year, giving us the opportunity to compare ourselves to the rest of the world early in the season.  It was great to see the top teams – Italy, Romania, Serbia, Russia, Greece and Switzerland – all there.

“We were also able to test different combinations due to the format of the two day regatta, as to what works.  We have SA Championships on the Freedom Day weekend at Roodeplaat Dam.  From here we will be able to try new combinations.”

Lucy Lightfoot, RMB’s Head of Brand says it’s encouraging to see the RMB National Squad performing so well, both locally and internationally.

“Our partnership with Rowing South Africa is one we are proud of and excited about. The teamwork, collaboration and the values we see demonstrated in the sport represent what we value at RMB. The RMB National Squad’s performance at home and abroad is a great example of South African talent. It is fantastic to see the sport growing at various levels. It makes us proud to be South African.”

The RMB National Squad is heading home to prepare for the South African Senior Rowing Champs, sponsored by RMB, at Roodeplaat Dam. Come support our boys and girls on 27 and 28 April.