Argumentative sportsmen? (6)

I believe the answer is:

rowers

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'argumentative sportsmen?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

This is the entire clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rowers that I've seen before include "Oarsmen" , "The O'Donovan brothers, say" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.