LEICESTER have completed their team for the 2025 ROWE Motor Oil Premiership season by confirming a return for popular Australian racer Ryan Douglas.
The 31-year-old was a title-winner with the Watling JCB Lions at Championship level in 2019 and made his return to the club in the top-flight this year, posting an increase to his average.
Next season is set to be a big one for Douglas as he was granted a Testimonial at the recent AGM, and this meeting will take place at Beaumont Park on a date to be confirmed, expected to be early in the campaign.
Team manager Stewart Dickson said: “Ryan is another good rider to work with, going back to when he was here before in the Championship, and although others might have had a nibble for him he wanted to come back, which shows you he’s happy here.
“He got landed with the No.5 race-jacket for most of last season and I think he did very well. In Heat 13 you tend to be on the outside against three very good riders and it can be tough, but he won races for us home and away
“I think there’s still more in Ryan, he should be aiming to get an eight-point average next season, and there’s no reason why he can’t do it.
“He moved out of the Championship this year and he’s riding against better riders abroad, which can only make you a better rider. He’s very quiet and unassuming but I think there’s a real determination there too.
“What’s also good is that he brings another team manager with him in (mechanic) David Howe, and it might sound silly but we do discuss certain things and I talk to David during meetings about what I’m planning to do.
“David is very good in the pits, not just with Dougy but also in helping the other riders, so I actually look at it as bringing the two of them back.”
Douglas returns on a 7.30 average to give the Watling JCB Lions a team total of 39.93, just 0.07 below the points limit of 40.
And there will be plenty of continuity with just one change from the one-to-seven which completed the 2024 season, as Kyle Howarth comes in to replace Richard Lawson.
Dickson said: “With the 40-point remaining the same, Leicester and one or two other teams have had to shed a couple of points, so we always knew we were going to have to lose one of our top five no matter what we did.
“We were two points above the limit, so we had to make a change to get back under, and people have to remember this is the price you pay for finishing second in the league.
“We’ve made minimal changes and been loyal to the riders, and the riders have also been loyal to us. I think coming back to Leicester will do Kyle the world of good, and the other riders are settled here and know what they’re coming back to.
“We should be very solid again and for me, I’m happy with what we’ve got.”
WATLING JCB LIONS 2025: Max Fricke 9.14, Sam Masters 7.32, Ryan Douglas 7.30, Luke Becker 6.57, Kyle Howarth 5.05, Craig Cook 4.55, Sam Hagon (RS).
*SUPPORTERS are reminded of the Season Ticket launch day at Beaumont Park on Sunday November 24 (10.30am-1.30pm).
2025 Season Tickets will be available for £253 (adults) and £231 (Over-65s/students), to include all 12 ROWE Motor Oil Premiership home fixtures. (Not including play-offs, KO Cup, challenge matches, Individual/Testimonial meetings, BSPL shared events.)
Season tickets also include a team photograph, a centre green experience and reduced admission of just £6 to Lion Cubs home matches in the National Development League.
They will be on sale from the corporate box (turn three) at the stadium, and payments can be made by cash, card or cheque. A passport sized photo will be required.
Refreshments will also be available as thanks to Pukka Pies we will have a selection of pies and sausage rolls to give away.
For those unable to make it on the day, Season Tickets will launched online from Monday November 25.
