James Stanier, a product of Abingdon School, is the new president of Oxford University lightweights, writes Mike Rosewell.

Stanier, a third year studying Modern History at University College, with a place reserved at the RMA Sandhurst, was in the group at Abingdon who won medals at the School's Head of the River and National Schools' Regattas.

He rowed in the two seat of the winning lightweight Blue boat in 2006.

His squad has attracted a number of triallists, plus experienced rowers such as Bradley Hull, James Solly and Peter Smith.