SWINDON Robins have confirmed the signing of Australian rider Darcy Ward.

The Robins have been seeking a new number one following the departure of Adrian Miedzinski after injury and Poole Pirates star Ward will take over at the top of the roster at the Abbey Stadium following an announcement on Twitter this afternoon.

Australian ace Ward has only recently returned from a 10-month ban after failing an alcohol test last year and is expected to come into the Robins’ line-up for their Elite League clash at Leicester Lions on Saturday.

The Robins have also had to release British rider Kyle Howarth in order to accommodate Ward’s arrival, with Czech youngster Eduard Krcmar coming in to replace him and complete the roster.

Robins team boss Alun Rossiter said: “We’re obviously delighted to welcome Darcy, it’s a fresh start for him and we are looking forward to working with him.

“Everyone knows the talent he has on a Speedway bike and we are confident he can carry that forward from here.

“Eduard scored 17 points in two Speedway World Cup meetings for the Czech Republic last year and now feels the time is right to make the move into British racing.”