Poplar rowers picked for England

He said: “Our season had finished and we were winding down one Sunday evening with a couple of drinks when I got a call from the England coach asking us to join them.

“To say it came out-of-the-blue would be an understatement but it was a great finish to what’s been a great season.�

Dan and Ash have been leading lights in amateur rowing this year, producing a string of good performances including a strong showing at the Henley Regatta where they were only beaten in the pairs by South Africa’s Olympic crew. Dan believes the England call-up was a reward for their outstanding form.

He said: “We’ve worked very hard and it was a real thrill to be involved.

“Competition is tough because you’re often up against professionals. We have to fit our training in around an eight or nine hour working day because we still have mortgages to pay. Getting enough rest is the biggest problem. It can be exhausting.�

The duo were in for a surprise when they arrived in Cardiff. Already scheduled to race in the Men’s Pairs they were also picked as part of the Men’s Eight crew.

Dan said: “We were only told we were in the crew the night before. But to get two opportunities to race was something we weren’t going to turn down.�

There was to be no personal success on the day, however, with the pair finishing last and the eight edged out by Scotland.

But at least Dan and Ash could draw some satsifaction from helping England clinch the overall title. And they hope to be considered again next year.

Dan said: “Our faces are in the frame now. If we can reproduce our form again next season you never know what might happen.�