Big signing coup for Sheffield Tigers

Howarth, from Manchester, travelled to Denmark as part of Alun Rossiter’s GB team last summer and is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects the nation has.

He joins from Workington and will also be doubling-up with Wolverhampton in the Elite League.

Tigers have also confirmed former Glasgow man Dimitri Berge will complete the septet for the new campaign.

Said Howarth: “I feel really good about joining Sheffield after a few years at Workington.

“I just thought it was time for a change, sometimes a change is as good as a holiday and I’m looking forward to a fresh start and a lot less miles in the van!

“I would like to thank Workington for the last few seasons, I love the track and I have always done well around there.”

Howarth is looking forward to making Owlerton his new home.

“Sheffield has a lot of dirt on it and that suits me down to the ground,” he said. “Whenever you change clubs you really want to get started as soon as possible and I’m so excited about joining Sheffield.

“I could say I would like to push Steady and Garrity for the No.1 race jacket but that won’t be an easy task, those boys were on it last season!

“I want to be more consistent next season and I know I’m capable of doing that. I’ve had a big change up in teams for next season.

“I’m really looking forward to getting going and dialling in my new home tracks as quick as we can, both Sheffield and Wolverhampton in the Elite League.

“It’s a new challenge and a new adventure and next season is going to be a big season for me and I need to take the opportunity I have with both hands and make sure I’m having fun with it along the way.”

Berge, meanwhile, turns 20 in February and is the former World 250cc Long Track Champion.

He had spells with both Glasgow and Redcar last season and is the son of former Isle of Wight favourite Phillipe.

The Sheffield line-up for 2016 is now complete: Simon Stead, Jason Garrity, Kyle Howarth, Josh Bates, Dimitri Berge, Nathan Greaves, Richard Hall.