British Rowing has cleared former Irish indoor champion Daniel Collins to enter the 2026 British Rowing Indoor Championships as Irish, with his performance included in both the British and world rankings.
Collins, who is based in Northern Ireland, had previously been told that his result would count in the BRIC standings only if he declared himself British. He could still have raced as an Irish entrant, but his performance would only have appeared in the World Rowing Indoor Championships rankings.
The governing body has now apologised to Collins, amended its event information and offered him free entry to the 2,000m and 500m races.
“I am absolutely over the moon that they have shifted their position,” Collins told BBC News NI. “The email came out of the blue on Friday morning and I really wasn't expecting it.”
“I can now look forward to competing.”
One Race, Two Rankings
BRIC and the World Rowing Indoor Championships will run concurrently at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre on 5–6 December. Athletes will race once, with eligible performances placed in the applicable championship standings.
Earlier guidance told competitors with dual nationality, including UK nationality, that they needed to choose UK to appear in the BRIC rankings. Collins objected because he identifies solely as Irish.
British Rowing’s Head of Events and Competitions subsequently told Collins by email: “Once you have confirmed your citizenship status via response to this email, then you are welcome to enter as Irish and we will ensure you are filtered into the BRIC listings also.”
The email continued: “You do not need to declare yourself as British to enter. We have since amended our FAQs and website information and apologise for any distress caused.”
British Rowing said Collins was eligible for both rankings “based on his citizenship status”. Its revised event guidance provides a route for athletes using a non-British nationality in the world championship to contact the governing body about inclusion in BRIC.
Irish Identity and Eligibility
Collins was born in Donegal and has lived in Londonderry since he was 10. Collins said that, because his father is from County Tyrone, British nationality law considers him to have British citizenship.
Before the decision changed, Collins said his legal eligibility did not alter his identity. “I identify as Irish, I'm not willing to declare myself as British in order to compete,” he said.
He referred to the Good Friday Agreement, which gives people in Northern Ireland the birthright to identify as British or Irish, or both, and to have that identity accepted, while also allowing them to hold both citizenships.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood raised the case with British Rowing and UK Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock. Following the reversal, Eastwood said “common sense has prevailed”.
“This situation highlights the need for greater understanding in UK institutions about the intricacies of British and Irish citizenship and the distinct Irish identity that many people in this part of our island hold dear,” Eastwood said.
Collins entered three events at the 2025 BRIC under the Irish flag and recorded two top-10 finishes. He also won gold and silver at the 2025 Irish Indoor Rowing Championships.
Entries for the combined championships close at 13:00 UTC on 24 November.
