SWINDON Robins have confirmed that world champion Jason Doyle will not ride for the club in 2018.

Doyle, who lifted his first individual world title last month, also captained he Robins to the 2017 SGB Premiership title in early October.

However, new rules agreed at British Speedway’s annual meeting earlier this month meant teams will only be able to have two riders with an average in excess of eight, placing question marks over the future of Doyle and rider of the year Nick Morris.

Doyle confirmed via social media this morning that he would not be returning to Swindon colours, with the club expanding on the decision in a subsequent statement.

The rider added: “Thank you Swindon for the last two seasons captaining a great club! Sadly I won't be coming back for 2018. Good luck.”

The club statement said: "is with great reluctance that we confirm world champion Jason Doyle will not be returning to Swindon Speedway for the 2018 season.

"Jason has been a loyal performer in Robins colours during his spells with the club, winning two league titles along the way as well as his own personal glory this year with the highest honour in the sport.

"He will go down in the club’s history as one of our all-time greats and this decision, reached in an amicable and mutually respectful manner, was most difficult.

"Swindon Speedway would like to wish Jason every success for the future and we are confident he will win more world titles along the way. He will always be popular at Swindon, we are sure of that.

"Meanwhile, we are committed to piecing together the best possible team within the regulations as we strive to win a second successive Premiership title in 2018.

"We will issue further updates on signings as we progress in the coming weeks.''

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