Students battling row club after abilities were likened to penises

A university rowing club renowned for producing Olympians gave members willy nicknames based on their ability, with one being called 'Mr Floppy'. 

'Snowflake' students are locked in a row with Oxford Brookes University Boat Club after discovering  rowers were placed into columns on a so-called 'toughness sheet' and given names including 'Rock Hard' and 'Morning Wood'.

The document was shared online and also details criticisms such as 'put the pies down', 'get a haircut. Toughen up', and 'watching you row is like watching paint dry', reported The Sun.

A WhatsApp message, seen by the BBC, from a senior member tells the person who leaked the document online to 'own up' or they will be 'tracked down'. 

The university said it is 'appalled' by the material has circulated online and is investigating. 

Governing body British Rowing said 'creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone in the rowing community is our priority'.

The Oxford Brookes University Boat Club recently boasted about its members winning gold and bronze medals at the Paris Olympics. 

A spokesperson for the university said: 'Oxford Brookes is committed to maintaining an inclusive and respectful culture in every aspect of university life.

'The material that has been circulated online has appalled us.

'We are taking the concerns that have been raised about coaching practices at Oxford Brookes University Boat Club extremely seriously, and we are working with British Rowing to investigate and address those concerns.

'We are writing to members of the boat club to provide support and encourage them to come forward and report any concerns they may have to the university.'

British Rowing published a statement on its website, which read: British Rowing is aware of concerns being raised about coaching practices at Oxford Brookes University Boat Club. We're working with the club and University to understand and address the concerns.

'Creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone in the rowing community is our priority. 

'If you have any concerns, we strongly encourage you to speak up and report them to your Club Welfare Officer or our governance team at governance@britishrowing.org. Your voice matters.'