16 September 2026

SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has called on British Rowing to revisit its decision to prevent local athlete Daniel Collins from being included in this year’s British Rowing Indoor Championships rankings unless he declares himself as British.

British Rowing has said that, because the British Championships are taking place alongside the World Rowing Indoor Championships this year, only UK citizens will be included in the BRIC rankings.

Mr Collins competed in last year’s event under the Irish flag. Mr Eastwood has contacted British Rowing and UK Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock MP asking for the decision to be reviewed.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said:

“Daniel Collins is a very successful local athlete who has represented Ireland with distinction and I think it is regrettable that this issue has arisen. Daniel competed in this event last year under the Irish flag, so it is difficult to understand why he should now have to declare himself British to have his result included in the rankings.

“I understand that the World Championships are being held alongside this year’s event and that British Rowing has to make arrangements for both competitions. But there are unique circumstances around citizenship and identity for people from the North. Daniel is entitled to British and Irish citizenship but identifies solely as Irish, and that should be respected.

“Daniel is not looking for preferential treatment. He simply wants to compete in an event he enjoyed last year without having to declare an identity that he does not hold. He has even offered to compete under a natural flag. Daniel has been in contact with my office and I have contacted both British Rowing and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock MP on his behalf, asking that his case is reviewed.

“There has to be a common-sense solution here which allows Daniel to compete and have his performance recognised in the British rankings without forcing him to declare himself British. The unique circumstances that exist across these islands must be respected and athletes from the North should not be disadvantaged because they identify as Irish.”