Three Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC) rowers have been banned from taking part in the upcoming Boat Race against Oxford after a new ruling preventing PGCE students from competing.

Three post-graduates undergoing their teacher training have been barred from competing in the prestigious annual race, sparking outrage from past and present Cambridge athletes.

Matthew Heywood, Molly Foxell, and Kate Crowley are the athletes who have been ruled out of the Boat Race, despite former precedent allowing those undertaking a PGCE to compete.

Commentators have speculated that this reinterpretation of the rules governing who is allowed to compete is an effort by Oxford to prevent elite-level “ringers” from being able to participate in the Boat Race. Both Foxell and Crowley completed their undergraduate degrees at Cambridge, and have taken part in the reserve or lightweight races over the past two years. Heywood was previously at Oxford Brookes.

In response to the decision, Crowley said: “It is absolutely gutting to have the race that you’ve dreamed of doing for years taken away from you, without getting any say in the matter. I haven’t fully come to terms with it yet, and I’m not sure that I will. The decision to exclude PGCE students is not good sportsmanship, and it does not do justice to the thousands of teachers and trainee teachers in this country who work unbelievably hard, every single day, to give all students the best education they can possibly have.”

Heywood stated: “OUBC challenged the eligibility of PGCE students this year and the subsequent decision has ruled myself and two other athletes ineligible.

“It’s safe to say that this decision doesn’t align with any values of sportsmanship or race spirit that I have known in rowing, and that I feel disheartened by the wider implications of this decision on my future vocation.“

He added: “I applied to the PGCE because I am passionate about inspiring and supporting young people. I want to be a teacher. I’m excited to start that career in September and am looking forward to what the future holds.”

Olympic champion rower and rowing commentator, Martin Cross told Varsity: “I know just how demanding PGCE courses are with all the academic work, lesson preparation and teaching. It’s a wonder that any student could do this and manage to find time to train for the Boat Race.”

Imogen Grant, a former Boat Race champion and Olympic gold medal winner took to Instagram, saying: “I’m seething. This is an insult to teachers everywhere and a desperate ploy from Oxford to gain an upper hand in the most slimy way.”

Cross added: “Tempers are clearly running high at the moment and it’s in everyone’s interest that these cool before the Boat Race, so both Oxford and Cambridge squads can settle their rivalry on the water with the highest level of sporting behaviour.”

The Chair of CUBC, Annamarie Phelps issued a statement on the controversial decision.

It reads: “Cambridge University Boat Club is deeply disappointed by the news that our PGCE students have been classified as ineligible to race in The Boat Race. There is no question academically about the standing of the PGCE course, which is highly valued and operates at a postgraduate level.”

“This decision comes despite the University’s advice on the PGCE’s standing and despite the precedent set by PGCE students from both Oxford and Cambridge being allowed to race in preceding years”, the statement continues.

It adds: “Following The Boat Race this year, it is in everyone’s interest for the two Clubs to sit down and agree the eligibility criteria for future races.”