Chris Nilsson has quit as Cambridge University's Boat Race coach after two years and is returning home to New Zealand for "lifestyle reasons".

Nilsson, 60, joined the light blues after coaching two of New Zealand's top crews at the 2008 Olympics.

After defeat to Oxford in his first season, he led Cambridge to a thrilling victory in April.

"I hope the last two seasons will act as a springboard for future success for the light blues," he said.

Nilsson coached Cambridge to victory in his second year in charge

Under Nilsson, Cambridge continued their policy of developing young, British talent in a race that is often dominated by foreign veterans.

Swiss assistant coach Edouard Blanc will stand in for Nilsson at Cambridge for the rest of the season.

The 2011 Xchanging Boat Race will take place at 1700 BST on Saturday 26 March.

American Derek Rasmussen, an economics student who was part of this year's victory, has been voted Cambridge club president for next season, succeeding compatriot Deaglan McEachern.

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