SHEFFIELD will welcome Luke Killeen to the club as their new Rising Star for the 2026 campaign.

The 20-year-old takes over from Leon Flint, who has now graduated from the scheme, and who has already been named in the Tigers’ side along with Jack Holder and Anders Rowe.

Killeen joins with a season-and-a-half’s worth of experience of racing in the top-flight at No.7 with Oxford already under his belt.

And with his second tier average improving by almost a point-and-a-half last term, co-owner Damien Bates holds high hopes for the youngster.

“The Rising Star programme is developing all the time and from a rider’s point of view, it’s about seeing their progression,” Bates said.

“Leon did an excellent job of that last season and now it’s time to give someone else an opportunity.

“Luke’s been getting regular Premiership meetings since part way through 2024 now and he’ll want to put all his experiences to good use next year.

“A new home track will take him a bit of time to adapt to and get settled into, of course it will, but his Championship performances alone show what he is capable of and that he is moving in the right direction.

“From what I have seen of Luke previously, he’s fully committed, he gives it his all and that’s a trait which always goes down well with the Sheffield supporters.”