Sport has undergone major changes due to the influence of globalisation. In the context of Japanese sport the influences of globalisation has created tension between the old position of sport for social integration and the new, market-oriented position (Yamashita, 2006). Whilst tracing some of the globalising influences on professional sport this paper examines how such influences effect identity and practice at a 'grass-roots' level. In examining sport from the 'old school' educational perspective, this paper explores identity and practice at a university men's rowing club. Based on responses and observations the paper finds that, whilst superficially there has been an increase in diversity, practice and identity at this level of sport has remained relatively unchanged.