Australian rowing team’s new name a way to stay in the fight for future stars

Australian rowers move so quickly they sometimes feel they are flying. Now a new team name has given them their wings, ROBERT CRADDOCK reveals.

As team names go this one has a distinctly oarsome flavour - the Rowsellas.

After a nationwide competition and consultation with sport design experts, rowing alumni and major stakeholders, the Rowsellas is the name chosen from hundreds of submissions for the Australian rowing team.

It's a brand new name for a very old team which first assembled in the 1800s.

The 37 member Olympic team and eight member Paralympic team will be the first athletes to spread their wings under the Rowsellas banner in this month’s Olympics in Paris.

Rowsellas is a combination of the name of the colourful Australian parrot combined with a pun which adds a welcome sprinkle of local humour. They are hoping it will catch on in the way the Oarsome Foursome monikor did a few decades ago.

World Paralympic rowing crew of the year, Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers. Picture: Tom Huntley

World Champions (PR3 Mixed Double Scull) Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager were among the first to wear the new logo at their training base in Adelaide, where they are preparing for the Paralympic Games in Paris from August 28.

Ayers feels it will help the sport popularise itself in the fiercely competitive inter-code war for the hearts and minds of young Australian sportspeople.

“Young girls are growing up wanting to be part of the Matildas,” Ayers said.

“Young guys want to be in the Wallabies. There’s the Kangaroos. Now junior rowers can grow up wanting to be a Rowsella.

“Us being a part of that for the first year heading into the Paralympic Games is very exciting. I think it’s a great name because Australians love a bit of a play on words so the Rowsellas is good for that.’’

The name will only apply to senior Australian teams, ensuring it remains an enticing goal for youngsters to reach the top of their sport.

“It’s an iconic bird. I remember most of my childhood waking up and the Rosellas were there in the back yard. It has a very Australian vibe and meaning to it. It will roll off the tongue easily.’’

Altschwager said: “It is a great name and it helps to create an identity. It formalises the team for people outside the world of rowing. Within the team it gives us a chance to say we are proud to be part of the Rosellas.’’

Several rowers have commented that the grace of a Rosella in full flight is similar to the easy rhythm of their boats.

“The speed and agility of the Rosella is pretty similar to how I feel in the Men’s Eight when we are at peak speed,’’ said Kendall Brodie, who coxes the Australian Men’s Eight.

“I’ve got to hold on tight because it feels like I’m flying, so it’s a really fitting name for the team.”