A young British undergraduate, Robin Ejsmond-Frey, who was born in Hammersmith and who went to school in Barnes - both significant landmarks on The Boat Race Course - has been elected as Oxford’s 2006/7 Boat Race President whilst Cambridge have also voted in a home-grown leader in the shape of their new President and Welshman, Tom James, for the 2007 Boat Race which will be sponsored by Xchanging.

Whilst Ejsmond-Frey, an undergraduate who is studying theology at Oriel College, will lead a unit which has won on the past two occasions, Cambridge will be seeking to "get it right on the day" according to James who is studying engineering at Trinity Hall.

"We produce good athletes but the biggest thing for us will be to get it right on the day", said former world bronze medallist and Olympian James who was born in Cardiff and went to school in Chester. "That’s what Oxford have been doing better than us recently. Duncan Holland, our coach, did a fantastic job last year for his first Race and we know we can row well and do better than last year".

"We have a winning formula and I have great faith in the programme", said Ejsmond-Frey. "So I see my role very much as leading from the front and inspiring the guys. I will play a part in bringing people together from diverse backgrounds who have had very different experiences. The Boat Race is a unique event and I see myself very much as the mediator between the athletes and the coaches to make sure that we get the best out of everyone".

Both Presidents acknowledge that the role within the clubs has changed over the past several years.

"Originally, we ran the club, selected the crews, engaged the coach and did all the administration. Now, with The Race having developed, that kind of bigger role is beyond a student. Our role is more one of leadership of the athletes and working with the coaching team though there are still some formal official duties", explained James.

"There is still a fair bit of admin and I’ve recently been organising crews for Henley [Royal Regatta]", added Ejsmond-Frey but my main role is to lead the athletes. I know I will need to develop a thick skin and that I won’t be able to please all of the people all of the time".

Oxford won the 2006 Boat Race, also sponsored by Xchanging, in challenging conditions by five lengths. In doing so they narrowed Cambridge’s lead down to 78-73 since The Race began in 1829.