Kiwi Crew Eager for Golden Oar Challenge Against Aussies and Sinković Stars

Presented by Canberra Airport, the Golden Oar Regatta will feature an exciting new chapter in the trans-Tasman rowing rivalry, as a talented New Zealand crew joins the line-up in Canberra this November.

The quartet of Logan Ullrich, Ella Cossill, Matt MacDonald and Phoebe Spoors will take to Lake Burley Griffin in the Open Mixed Quadruple Sculls, where they will race against Australian Olympians Tara Rigney and Harriet Hudson—joined by none other than Croatia’s legendary Sinković brothers.

Winner of gold at the 2025 World Cup in Lucerne, Logan is one of New Zealand’s most promising young scullers. Calm under pressure and quick in a sprint, he’s relishing the chance to test himself again on the international stage.

“The Golden Oar is going to be such an exciting regatta and I’m really looking forward to competing with and against probably the fastest mixed boats ever!”

A rising star of New Zealand’s squad, Ella has banked plenty of world championships and collected more than her fair share of national titles along the way. Known for her adaptability, she is perfectly suited to Golden Oar’s three-race format.

“This event is so different, with its mix of distances and the festival atmosphere. I’m really excited to see how we come together as a crew and to test ourselves against the world’s best.”

An Olympic gold medallist from Tokyo 2020 with the New Zealand Men’s Eight, Matt brings big-race experience and a big-race engine to the crew. Known for his relentless drive, Matt will be central to the Kiwi crew’s chances.

“Opportunities to race in a format like this don’t come around often. It will be a privilege to line up against crews of this calibre. We’ll be focused on doing our best together as a team – we’re super excited to compete all out and put our best foot forward.”

Carrying on the Spoors family rowing legacy, Phoebe has carved her own path in the senior women’s squad. Out of the NZ Women’s Four Phoebe adds her trademark composure to the line-up.

The Open Mixed Quadruple Sculls is tipped to be one of the highlights of the regatta, with the traditional Australia–New Zealand rivalry meeting the might of Croatia’s most famous rowing duo. While there will be no shortage of competitive spirit, the Kiwi crew is equally focused on soaking up the atmosphere and embracing the unique opportunity that Golden Oar represents.

With over $100,000 in prize money on the line and thousands of spectators expected at Canberra’s lakeside festival, the stage is set for two unforgettable days of racing and celebration.

Closing the loop, Ullrich added:

“We always get such a warm reception in Australia, and we’re looking forward to being part of the crowd and the festival as much as the competition itself. It’s going to be something really special.”