UCT men’s and TUKS women take top honours
Port Alfred, 15 September 2025: The 2025 RMB Universities’ Boat Race wrapped up on the Kowie River this weekend, delivering three days of thrilling competition, fierce rivalries, and standout performances that showcased the depth of South African university rowing.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) powered to victory in the men’s A Division winning the Cambridge Rudder trophy, while University of Pretoria (TUKS) defended their crown in the women’s A Division with another dominant performance earning themselves the Isis Blade trophy. Stellenbosch University (MATIES) secured third place podium finishes across both men’s and women’s divisions, underlining their strength in depth.
More than 300 athletes representing 36 crews from 10 universities lined up across multiple categories, with every race serving up high-intensity action.
Standout Moments
– “Chloe Cresswell, fresh off her U23 World Championship silver medal, steered TUKS to the Women’s 8+ final victory.
– UCT’s men showed composure and power in their final sprint to claim the A Division title.
– Walter Sisulu University (WSU) impressed on debut, pushing seasoned opposition to the line and earning plaudits for their performance.
On-Water Voices
Chief Umpire Gordon Dodge praised the crews: “This year’s RMB Universities’ Boat Race was a phenomenal showcase of grit, determination and teamwork. Conditions were challenging, but we were treated to a series of thrilling, hard-fought races with many crews showing remarkable improvement. RMB once again went above and beyond to make the event truly memorable for our university athletes.”
This year marked the 10th edition since RMB became headline sponsor in 2015, and saw the strongest women’s field in years, with multiple universities entering more than one crew – a clear sign of the sport’s growth and transformation.
Michael Edwards, RMB Sponsorship Marketing Lead, said: “RMB is proud to support the athletes, universities and rowing community that made this event possible. This regatta continues to be a platform for discovering South Africa’s future champions, and we congratulate every crew that raced on the Kowie this weekend.”
The 2025 RMB Universities’ Boat Race delivered speed, excitement, and competitiveness on water — cementing its place as one of the most anticipated events on the South African student sporting calendar.
Visit the RMB and USSA websites, RMB social media platform and USSA Instagram page for regular updates.
The final positions in the men and women’s A Division are as follows:
Men’s A division:
- UCT
- TUKS
- MATIES
- UJ
- UFH
- WITS
- NMU
- UWC
- RHODES
- WSU
Women’s A Division:
- TUKS
- UCT
- MATIES
- WITS
- UJ
- UWC
- WSU
- NMU
- UFH
- RHODES
