Uni rowing 'toughness sheet' sparks investigation

The club has a large base on the River Thames in Wallingford

A so-called "toughness sheet" allegedly criticising members of a university rowing team has sparked an independent investigation.

The material, relating to the coaching of Oxford Brookes University Boat Club, was circulated on WhatsApp.

The BBC has seen an unverified copy of the sheet which includes comments next to rowers' names, such as "Put the pies down" and "Get a haircut".

British Rowing previously said it was aware of concerns and was working with the university, which has since appointed lawyers to look into the allegations.

Members of the club won medals at the Paris Games

Oxford Brookes University said the investigation would consider whether the materials shared online matched its commitment for university life to be "inclusive and respectful".

It would also look at the behaviour and culture at the club, and whether any laws had been broken.

'Watching you row is like watching paint dry'

The university previously said it had been "appalled" by the content shared in the messages.

An unverified WhatsApp message from a senior member, which references the "toughness sheet", has been seen by the BBC.

It asked someone to "own up" for sharing a photo of it online, otherwise they would be "tracked down".

The sheet itself includes other criticisms about specific members of the team such as "Toughen up. Get serious", "Stop asking so many questions", and "Watching you row is like watching paint dry".

After law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper has prepared a report, based on its findings, the university said it would consider whether it needed to take any further steps.

Current and recent members - meaning those who have left in the last five years - of the club who want to take part in the investigation have been encouraged to contact the lawyers.

British Rowing, the governing body responsible for the sport, previously said "creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone in the rowing community is our priority".