SOMERSET Rebels Speedway have announced the last three riders to complete their 2018 septet, with world champion Jason Doyle on board as the club's new number one.

The Rebels had already announced four riders - Jake Allen, Jack Holder, Richard Lawson and Bradley Wilson-Dean - and have now given their fans an early Christmas present by unveiling the final three on Christmas Eve.

Jonas Jeppesen, the 2016 Danish Under-21 champion, was the first of those to be announced - the 19-year-old will make his UK debut next year.

He said: "I am really happy to get to ride for Somerset next year.

"The track looks really good and well prepared, and it has been easy to work with the management."

Following the Jeppesen unveiling, the Rebels confirmed that Charles Wright will return for his sixth season at the club.

He joined in 2013, and has become a fan favourite at the Oaktree Arena for his exciting style of racing.

Wright said: "Everything about the club is just superb - the promotion, the fans, absolutely everything.

"The fans are really appreciative of their riders; even when things aren't going to plan, they are there giving you support, which is a great feeling.

"Having tested the waters last year in the Premiership, the club have a better idea of what to expect, and I am sure that will be a much different proposition with that debut season behind us."

Somerset saved the biggest news for last, which sees world champion Jason Doyle return for his third spell with the Rebels.

Doyle helped the club to a KO Cup win in 2008, and then returned for two seasons from 2012, culminating in the Rebels' first ever league championship title and another KO Cup, plus the Premier League Pairs alongside Josh Grajczonek.

Last season he led Swindon to the SGB Premiership title, and he was finally crowned world champion after injury denied him the previous season.

Somerset team manager Garry May said: "I think this was the signing all Somerset fans had hoped for, but perhaps never thought it would actually happen.

"But I know that Jason considers Somerset his 'home' as far as speedway is concerned, and his signing is a statement of intent by the club for 2018."

Somerset Rebels 2018 (averages to be confirmed)

Jason Doyle (9.69)
Charles Wright (6.69)
Richard Lawson (6.43)
Jack Holder (5.82)
Jake Allen (5.07)
Bradley Wilson-Dean (4.67)
Jonas Jeppesen (4.00)