"VAN" (Sports Desk - 29.03.2026) :: Queensland has etched its name into Interstate rowing history, breaking an 87-year drought to win the King’s Cup in a dramatic, edge-of-your-seat finish, while New South Wales claimed overall honours to take back the John Coates AC Cup at the 2026 Australian Rowing Championships Interstate Regatta.
A decade of partnership with Hancock Prospecting and the leadership of Rowing Australia Patron Mrs Gina Rinehart AO was fittingly celebrated through the excitement and intensity of the penultimate races at ARC26. This enduring support has been transformative, powering Australian rowing for more than ten years, from grassroots participation through to podium success on the world stage. The energy and quality of racing on display served as a powerful tribute to a partnership that continues to strengthen the sport and inspire the next generation of Australian athletes.
In one of the most memorable races of the regatta, Queensland’s men’s eight delivered a front-running performance under immense pressure, leading through every marker before holding off a charging Victoria crew by just 0.22 seconds.
South Australia remained in the hunt throughout and secured bronze, only 2.21 seconds off the pace.
The victory marked a defining moment not only for Queensland rowing, but for the Free family, with Jackson Free becoming the first to lift the King’s Cup despite generations of representation.
“Honestly, it was just hitting the boat, no mistakes… we held on right to the last stroke,” said Free.
“Credit to the other crews, there were some really good guys in there.”
The Queen’s Cup brought the regatta to a close, and New South Wales ensured the final word belonged to them.
Their women’s eight controlled the race from the outset, leading at every split to secure back-to-back titles, finishing 9.83 seconds clear of Queensland, with Western Australia narrowly ahead of Victoria for bronze.
“I’m just so stoked for the girls, so stoked for Team New South Wales,” said Georgie Rowe. “We had our para guy smash it, Della Marta smashed it… we’re just carrying the flag with them.”
That consistency ultimately proved decisive, with New South Wales reclaiming the John Coates AC Cup through a dominant overall performance.
Victories in the PR3 Men’s Single Scull, Men’s Single Scull, Women’s Single Scull, Men’s Youth Eight and Women’s Eight underpinned their success, supported by strong placings across the remaining events.
The Interstate Regatta opened with immediate drama in the PR3 Men’s Single Scull, where New South Wales’ Flynn Wilkinson went back-to-back in one of the closest finishes of the day. Leading from the start, Wilkinson was pushed all the way by ACT’s Cormac Hayes, who closed rapidly in the final metres. Wilkinson held on by just 0.18 seconds, setting the tone for New South Wales’ campaign.
Queensland responded through Wallis Russell in the PR3 Women’s Single Scull, producing a composed and controlled performance to lead from start to finish. Russell established her rhythm early and extended her advantage across the race.
“It was pretty tough out of the start, bit of a head breeze, but once I settled into it, I knew I had a good race ahead of me,” said Russell. “This time I’m really going to soak it up… I didn’t realise how rare it is.”
The President’s Cup delivered a headline performance from New South Wales’ Marcus Della Marta, who toppled Olympic medallist Alex Hill OAM in a high-quality contest.
“It means a lot… it’s extra special to go up against guys like Alex Hill,” said Della Marta. “To get past him in that last 250, it’s pretty special.”
Tara Rigney OLY continued New South Wales’ momentum in the Nell Slatter Trophy, delivering a dominant display to win her fifth consecutive Interstate Women’s Single Scull title.
“If I did win today I wanted to direct all the spotlight onto my coach Alfie Young,” said Rigney. “This is also his fifth time winning it with me… the past 12 months have been up and down.”
Victoria stamped its authority on the lightweight events, going back-to-back in the Men’s Lightweight Coxless Four to win the Penrith Cup.
“Over the moon, absolutely over the moon,” said stroke seat Tom Hastings. “It was a great honour to row with those boys… I’m absolutely stoked.”
They backed it up in the Women’s Lightweight Quadruple Scull, where Victoria again led throughout to claim victory ahead of Tasmania and Queensland.
“Definitely difficult conditions… but really proud of the girls,” said Emily Antonie. “Good to get the win for the first time in 10 years.”
The Youth Eights delivered high-intensity racing and redemption stories. New South Wales reclaimed the Noel F. Wilkinson Cup in the Men’s Youth Eight with a commanding, front-running performance.
“We just wanted to get out in front and keep moving,” said Will Rogers. “Every call from the cox, full commitment from all eight of us.”
In the Women’s Youth Eight, Western Australia produced one of the standout performances of the day, leading throughout to win the Bicentennial Cup under pressure from Queensland.
“I just asked the girls for more, more and more and they gave it to me,” said coxswain Helena Hurworth. “They were incredible.”
Across the full Interstate program, the 2026 regatta showcased the very best of Australian rowing - from emerging youth talent to established international athletes - with tight margins, breakthrough victories and historic achievements defining the competition.
Queensland will long remember its drought-breaking King’s Cup triumph.
Victoria reaffirmed its dominance in the lightweight ranks.
Western Australia showcased its strength in youth women’s sweep rowing.
But it was New South Wales’ depth, consistency and ability to deliver across multiple boat classes that ultimately secured the John Coates AC Cup and re-established them at the top of Australian Interstate rowing.
Rowing Australia sincerely thanks the Tasmanian Government and Events Tasmania for their continued support in hosting the Australian Rowing Championships at Lake Barrington. Their commitment ensures a world-class event in one of Australia’s premier rowing venues, and we are proud to partner with them again.
Responses
Leave your comment