HP Trials for Flatwater/Para Rowing 2026/27

High-Performance Trials for Flatwater/ Para Rowing 2026-27  

Updated 11/9/26 – Please note previously provided trial/HP program information (eg HP Calendar) is subject to change so has been removed and should be disregarded until a further update is provided. 

Rowing Ireland wish to advise the dates of the early events within HP Trialling structure for the 2026-27 season.   

Following review of the 2026 season and with Olympic and Paralympic qualification now becoming an increasingly important focus, we are introducing a clearer structure to how athletes enter, progress through and remain within the Senior High-Performance programme. More detail RE the 2027 season and structure will follow in early course. 

HP Trials  

October Open Trial  

The first open assessment for Seniors, U23’s and U19’s will take place on the 3^rd and 4^th of October 2026 in the National Rowing Centre, Cork. Racing will take place in singles and pairs over 2km, with further information on the schedule of the weekend being published closer to the time.  

This trial is open for any athlete who wishes to be considered for an international team at U19, U23 or Senior level but excludes the Home International Regatta (more information below). Entries will be done via the Tracker system so please ensure that athletes are registered with Rowing Ireland ahead of time.  

Athletes that competed at the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam are exempt from this particular trial.  

All athletes must complete the form HERE by September 30^th.  All athletes, including those overseas, must complete this form by the deadline if they wish to be considered for an international team, as above, in 2027 (World Cups, European Championships, World Championships).  

Any athlete that cannot attend due to injury must submit a relevant certificate prior to the trial. Submitting a cert does not guarantee progression to the following trial and will be at the discretion of the Head Coach and High-Performance Director.  Athletes based abroad or those unable to make the Open Trial are expected to make contact with the HPD regarding their circumstances. 

October Erg Testing  

For all athletes wishing to be considered for a Senior international team in 2027 (World Cups, European Championships, World Championships), a 2km open rate erg test must be submitted by 5pm on October 31st. The test can be completed at any point in the month of October ahead of the submission date.   

Elite Invitational Trial  

An Elite Invitational Trial will be held on the weekend of Saturday /Sunday- 31^st  October to 1^st November  at the National Rowing Centre, Co. Cork. More details will be provided closer to the date. 

A formal document setting out the full trialling schedule, eligibility requirements,  
performance criteria, squad structure and process for exceptional circumstances will  
follow shortly. That document will be the definitive reference for the 2027 process.  

If you have any queries, please contact Clara at clara.obrien@rowingireland.ie 

NB – Home International Regatta  

Please note trials for all places at the 2027 Home International Regatta will take place at Cork Regatta on the 19^th and 20^th of June 2027.  

Coastal: 

An update on new trialling and selection processes for Coastal – Beach Sprints will follow in the coming weeks.