MATTHEW Langridge returns to international competition later this month in the same boat he made history last year.

The Northwich rower will compete in the men’s pair for Great Britain, along with James Foad, at the European championships in Poland.

Together they won a silver medal behind New Zealand at last year’s world championships, setting the fastest time by a British crew for the category.

Langridge, who turns 32 on Wednesday, missed out on the European event last year while he recovered from a long-term back injury.

He returned later to partner Foad, of Molesey Boat Club, to second spot at the worlds in Amsterdam.

When his crewmate suffered a broken foot before last month’s senior trials, Langridge switched successfully to a single scull.

He finished fifth in the final.

“The European Championships are an important event in their own right, and everyone selected will also want to add medals and titles there,” said Sir David Tanner, performance director for Great Britain’s rowing team.

“We are not complacent. 

“This is an Olympic qualifying year and other nations will be stepping up.

“The depth of competition will be stronger and, against that background, we are looking at honing a squad that gives us the best possible chance of qualifying all of our men’s boats for Rio.”

Qualification for next summer’s Olympics in Brazil will be decided by the results of September’s world championships.

Meanwhile a 50-strong team has been named for the three-day event in Poznan, which starts on Friday, May 29.

Great Britain topped the medal table in Belgrade last year, with golds in the men's four and women's pair among their eight podium places.