CUBC is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Baker as its new Chief Coach. Rob will lead the CUBC coaching team after leading CUWBC to emphatic Blue Boat and Blondie wins in 2017 and 2018 and masterminding the CUWBC’s move to the Tideway in 2015.
Before taking on the role of CUWBC Chief Coach, Rob coached Ireland’s U23 squad, and was CUBC’s Assistant Coach. In the Assistant Coach role at CUBC, Rob achieved multiple Goldie wins and coached the winning Britannia Challenge Cup at Henley in 2003. He added to this with a win in the Stewards’ Challenge Cup at Henley whilst acting as CUBC’s Chief Coach in 2008.
Rob’s appointment as Chief Coach concludes a search process that has run since December, when outgoing Chief Coach Steve Trapmore informed the Club that he would be moving to a coaching position at GB Rowing after the 2018 Boat Race. The selection panel, chaired by CUBC Executive Chairman Ewan Pearson and assisted by 3 past CUBC presidents including Olympic Gold Medallists Tom James and George Nash, reviewed and interviewed high level candidates from several different countries before arriving at the decision.
Ewan commented, ‘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.’
Rob stated, “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. 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.”
Cath Bishop, Chair of CUWBC, added that “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.”
For press inquiries and further information, please contact Ewan Pearson at [email protected] or on 07712 134 636