British Rowing reveal coaching structure to succeed Jurgen Grobler

Jurgen Grobler's departure has heralded a total restructure at British Rowing with four experienced coaches taking control for Tokyo 2020.

Grobler's word was law in his role as Chief Coach for both men’s and women’s programmes, given total control after Paul Thompson's turbulent departure in 2018.

After the German stepped aside in August, four lead coaches will now preside over day-to-day decision-making in separate squads and steer consensus-driven 'selection groups.'

Sydney gold medallist Steve Trapmore will lead men's sweep, Paul Stannard will continue to oversee men's sculling, James Harrison women's sweep and Paul Reedy women's sculling.

Harrison coached the women’s eight to silver at Rio 2016 and Reedy oversaw Kat Copeland and Sophie Hosking’s victory at London 2012.

Trapmore was in charge of the Cambridge University programme until 2018, and Stannard was instrumental in guiding Helen Glover and Heather Stanning to double Olympic gold.

"This new structure recognises the knowledge and vast experience of our coaching and senior leadership team at the national training centre, Caversham and gives our lead coaches increased levels of autonomy," said Director of Performance Brendan Purcell.

"Across the coaching and leadership team we have over 40 combined Olympic and Paralympic Games under our belts stretching back to Los Angeles 1984.

"There’s a huge wealth of knowledge and experience within the high performance programme to support our athletes in delivering incredible performances in 2021."

New selection groups will include Purcell, the lead coach for the discipline and an external selector.

Reform of selection comes after the British Athletes Commission - led by Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas - conducted an athlete-led consultation into rowing selection policies.

British Rowing have been besieged by retirements since the postponement of Tokyo 2020, with Zoe Lee, Elle Piggott, Pete Lambert, Tom Ransley and Stewart Innes all stepping away.

And coach Christian Felkel, part of the GB Rowing Team since 2008, will also leave with immediate effect to take a role with the German team.

"I have loved my time at British Rowing and am sorry to leave the team this close to the Olympic Games," said Felkel.

"I have to think about my family in these difficult times, especially my elderly mother, and it gives me peace of mind to return home."