PIRATES asset Kyle Newman has joined Ipswich for the 2017 SGB Championship campaign.

Newman made the switch to Foxhall following three years in the second tier with Plymouth, where he held the captain's role.

The Poole-born rider said: “I’m delighted to link up with Ipswich. The side they have put together looks very capable of challenging for silverware next year and, hopefully, I can help them achieve this.

“I made no secret about how tough last season was. Plymouth had lots of problems and I’m glad to see that they have a future now. I struggled with injury in the early part of last season but by the end I felt I had hit my best form. I just hope I can carry that into next season.

“It’s time for me to kick on in the Championship. This is a massive season and I think Ipswich is the perfect fit for me.

“I had options during winter and had big decisions to make. But I feel I can progress at Ipswich and when I knew the team they were putting together, I knew we had a big chance of winning things next year.

“March can’t come quick enough, I really can’t wait to get started. It will be a big year for me and I’m very excited about the challenges ahead.”