Sheffield Tigers’ Aussie ace looks forward to sampling the delights of Yorkshire

Aussie ace Batchelor has made the move to Owlerton after Swindon pulled out of the 2021 season to allow stadium development work.

Tigers are set to open their doors to fans for the first time since 2019 under the government roadmap on Thursday May 20 against one of Batchelor’s former clubs Peterborough.

But he wants to get some vital practice on his new home track before the Premiership starts.

“Hopefully we can get together as a team and do some laps around Sheffield,” he said.

“It’s a long time since I last rode there and I would like to get my set-up right before the first home meeting when the fans return.

“I’m really looking forward to it, I think we can have a great season and I’m pleased to be joining up with a club of Sheffield’s stature.

“They have a great history and I know the stadium is excellent so I’m looking forward to getting there and meeting up with all my colleagues, the management and of course the fans.”

Batchelor was back on a bike at Leicester on Monday for the first time since last October.

“I took it easy a little but then when I got used to it I went for it,” he said. “It was my first time on a bike since last October at Belle Vue and the Peter Craven Memorial so it felt pretty good.

“It just proved how much I love riding my bike and can’t wait for the next session.”

The former Grand Prix star has also revealed how his move to South Yorkshire has excited his sponsors.

"They've heard good things about the restaurant up there," he said. "Apparently they do an amazing carvery, it's just a shame I'll be too busy to try it!

“But I guess I will have to make the effort to try a Yorkshire pudding when I’m there!

“I know they have great corporate facilities and that’s great for my sponsors, I’ll be calling up the promoters to book a table that’s for sure.”