The Light Blues were victorious in a controversial and dramatic race on Saturday which saw Oxford break an oar 45 seconds after the race had been restarted following the intervention of a swimming protester.

The considerable effort of rowing a man down proved too much for Woods, who collapsed and was taken to hospital, causing the presentation ceremony to be cancelled.

Woods, who is on the mend at home, said in a statement: "I don't remember anything of the race after being aware of the blade breaking, and am obviously devastated at the way things turned out, but would like to congratulate CUBC for their win.

"I have contacted their crew and [coach] Steve Trapmore personally, to say that I'm very sorry that my collapse prevented their celebrations, and to thank them for thinking of me at the time.

"Such sportsmanlike behaviour is a real credit to all of their crew."