Nominations are open for the Rowing New Zealand International Pathway 2026/2027, giving New Zealand rowers training at overseas universities the chance to stay connected to the national high performance system.
To be eligible, athletes must meet at least one of two criteria: either attend the 2026 Age Group Team Trials (U19, U23, or World University), or satisfy a combination of erg and on-water performance standards recorded between October 2025 and April 2026. Incoming freshmen need to meet one on-water and one erg standard. Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors must meet both erg requirements.
On-water benchmarks cover a range of regattas. At SICC and NICC, athletes need a top-four finish in the Open/Premier single or top two in the Open/Premier double. Equivalent standards apply at the NZ Club Champs, NZ Secondary Schools Champs, and NZ University Champs, across the senior, U22, and U18 categories respectively.
Coxswains previously selected for any age group team (U18 through U23), or invited to an age group trial, are encouraged to fill out the nomination form. Those who don't meet any of the listed criteria can contact Michele Munro directly.
Once on the pathway, athletes can expect regular check-ins via email and Zoom, individual development plans, and contact with their US, UK, or Australian university coaches, all as part of continued support towards future RNZ team selections.
Athletes accepted into the programme must submit erg results between 1 October 2026 and 1 April 2027, including two 2km erg tests and two 5km or 6km tests depending on their programme. Those targeting the 2027 U23 team will have specific test dates that align with the 2027 RNZ High Performance Selection Guidelines.
Athletes who attended the U23 team trial in 2026 do not need to complete a new nomination form. Everyone else wishing to continue their involvement must submit their nomination by Sunday, 16 August 2026. Athletes who did not submit 2km and/or 5km or 6km erg scores for last season's team nominations must also submit those scores by the same date.
