Kent rowers Dan Ritchie and Tom Ransley have been named in the Great Britain men’s eight for the World Cup race at Eton Dorney later this month.

It spells a return for Ransley, from Ashford, to the scene of his London 2012 bronze medal in the eight, although Ritchie, from Herne Bay, missed out after an injury-plagued build-up to the Games.

Herne Bay ARC star Ritchie said: “I came back with the intention for Rio in 2016 but that’s not to underestimate the stepping stones on the way there. We have got the World Championships for the next three years and people will be coming to take the top seats.”

The pair will join Olympic men’s four champions Andrew Triggs Hodge, Pete Reed and Alex Gregory, Will Satch, Mohamed Sbihi and cox Phelan Hill who are all Olympic or World medallists, and Oliver Cook in the boat from June 21-23.

Ritchie admitted: “Having them in the boat you want to raise yourself to their standard and they are obviously trying to keep you below them so that they can keep their spot. It’s a bit of pressure but they make you feel comfortable so that you can row to the best of your ability.”

Ritchie won silver at both the 2010 and 2011 World championships but knee and achilles injuries ruled him out of contention for London in the build-up to London.

The duo formed part of the eight which won gold at the Sydney World Cup regatta.