A strong Irish representation in the second leg of the World Cup at Hazewinkel, Belgium, this weekend will carry real medal hopes. The men's lightweight four, with Noel Monahan in for the injured Tony O'Connor in the stroke seat, and the all-Commercial quadruple scull look to be strong contenders for at least grand final places, as does Gearoid Towey in the lightweight single sculls.

It is also the beginning of a hectic few weeks for Trinity's lightweight pair of James Lindsay-Fynn and Andrew Coleman - they compete this weekend for Ireland, and will also represent Trinity at Henley. The college will send an eight to the big Henley event, the Ladies Plate.

This weekend, nine Irish clubs are sending crews to Women's Henley, with Neptune, Trinity and UCG all competing in the club eights.