ROYAL Wootton Bassett teenager Anders Rowe has earned his first SGB Premiership call-up after penning a deal to ride for Swindon Robins next season.

The defending National League Riders’ Championship winner is Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter’s fifth confirmed signing ahead of the club’s 2020 campaign – which will see the Robins defend both the SGB Premiership and Supporters’ Cup crowns.

Rowe has long been linked with Swindon, having represented the Sprockets at third-tier level and acted as Rossiter’s number eight in the pits for home meetings.

Despite his top-flight inexperience, the Robins chief insists 17-year-old Rowe is confident in his own ability.

His passion also stands out, and Rossiter is delighted to include a local rider in his ranks for the first time since Darryl Ritchings rode for the club six seasons ago.

Rossiter said: “Anders seems really up for it. He keeps telling me that he is ready, so he has got the opportunity.

“It will be nice to have a local lad in the team again – Darryl Ritchings had a little spell. But apart from him, I was probably the last local rider to feature in the team.

“He’s a keen learner and wants to progress his career. This is a big step for him, and we can’t put too much pressure on him.

“But when he tells me he is up for it and ready to go, I’m happy to offer him that opportunity.”

Rowe’s arrival means Rossiter now has just two more riders to announce to complete his 2020 team.

To date, Jason Doyle, Troy Batchelor, Rasmus Jensen and Ellis Perks have been confirmed in addition to Rowe’s arrival this morning.

Last week in the Premiership, Belle Vue Aces pulled off a double signing surprise by confirming Brady Kurtz and former Robins rider Peter Kildemand.