Brendan Purcell has stepped down as British Rowing Director of Performance after three years in the role, a decision made by “mutual consent” according to British Rowing. The news follows a Tokyo 2020 review and comes two weeks after the resignation of Andy Parkinson, the former Chief Executive.

Deputy Director of Performance Pathways and Paralympic Programme Louise Kingsley has taken over as interim Director of Performance.

Brendan Purcell said, “It has been a privilege to work with so many passionate, committed and inspiring rowers, coaches and support staff. I look forward to watching the programme achieve even more success in the future”.

Purcell left British Triathlon and joined British Rowing in June 2018. He instigated changes to the coaching structure and levels of individual autonomy within the team. Having topped the medal table for three consecutive Olympics the GB Rowing Team slipped to fourteenth place at Tokyo 2020, their lowest rank since 1972.

The board of British Rowing received the findings of a Tokyo 2020 review in September. The review was instigated by Mark Davies, the chair of British Rowing, and sought to uncover the reasons behind the performance of the GB Rowing Team.

British Rowing chair Mark Davies said, “I would like to thank Brendan for his service and commitment to British Rowing and on behalf of everyone in the organisation I wish him all the best in his next role.”