Cambridge University's official communication:
Robin Williams, Chief Coach of Cambridge University Boat Club since 1994, will be leaving CUBC after the 2005 Boat Race. Robin has been appointed by the ARA as the High Performance Coach of the GB Lightweight and Womens Squads to take them up to the next Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008.
Quintus Travis, Senior Treasurer of the CUBC, said: The CUBC are, naturally, very sad to be losing Robin but very proud that his efforts at Cambridge have resulted in this recognition of his talents and his new appointment. The Club is also delighted for Robin personally. This is a huge compliment to the programme at the CUBC. We have strived to ensure that our crews achieve near international standard and our programme allows all those involved to go on to achieve bigger and better things. Robin's appointment as an international High Performance Coach confirms this and we are sure that he will succeed in his new rôle. He will be leaving us with our very best wishes. In light of this positive and exciting news we have put in place our succession strategy. David Gillard, as Head of our Performance Committee, will chair the Succession Panel and will be responsible for finding Robin's replacement.
Chris Dalley, Chairman of the CUBC Finance & General Purposes Committee said This is an exciting time for all concerned and now that this news has been confirmed, it's fair to say that the 2005 Boat Race will be an emotional affair for all those involved with this Boat Club. Robin Williams came to the CUBC in 1994 for the 1995 Boat Race and during his tenure as Chief Coach Cambridge won 7 out of 10 Boat Races. His 1998 Blue Boat hold the Race record of 16 minutes and 19 seconds. During this period Cambridge also won seven events at Henley Royal Regatta and many Cambridge alumni have rowed internationally for GB and other countries. At the Athens Olympics, there were 7 Cambridge Blues in the GB heavyweight squad and one in the Australian VIII which won a bronze medal, a testament to the coaching systems instituted by Williams.