10:20am Saturday 14th November 2009
By Matthew Colledge
THE Somerset Rebels have made young Australian Sam Masters their first signing for the 2010 season.
Somerset beat five other clubs to the 18-year-old's signature.
Masters has already qualified to ride in the UK and has been signed by Somerset as a club asset.
Somerset promoter, Debbie Hancock, said: “We are all over the moon to have Sam coming to Somerset and he is the first young rider the club has actually signed to its asset base for many years.
“His whole family's approach to the negotiations we had with them to ensure that Sam was going to the right club for his long term future and not just for any short term gains was certainly refreshing.
“Sam has already shown his commitment towards riding for the Rebels next season by purchasing two new rolling chassis and engines to bring with him to the UK, and I am sure that like myself, all Somerset fans will be following his progress in Australia this winter with keen interest.”
The signing came in part thanks to Somerset's new scouting operation to identify the best young Australian riders.
Debbie Hancock added: “Hopefully this new initiative will bear fruit for the Rebels over forthcoming years.
“We are planning to announce at least another two of our rider signings for the 2010 season at a charity evening being organised by the Somerset Riders Equipment Fund at the Oak Tree Clubhouse on Friday, November 27, so I would urge Somerset fans to get their tickets and come along to find out who those riders are!”
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