Skipper Sam Masters announces he won't ride for Monarchs in 2018

Sam Masters rode more than 100 times in 2017. Pic: Ron MacNeill

Edinburgh Monarchs will be looking for a new skipper next season after Sam Masters declared he will not be riding in the Championship division in 2018.

It was no secret that during the latter stages of last season, Masters felt a degree of burn-out after his number of fixtures had soared into triple figures.

Masters said: “I was way too busy and need to drop a league in order to progress further with my career and unfortunately it means dropping out of the second tier.

“It disappoints me as a lot of my best racing has been done in this division. Thank you for everything and I’m sure I will see you guys during next season.

“I hope to return to Edinburgh in the future as there is no other club I would rather ride for in the Championship.”

Director Mike Hunter said: “To say his time with Edinburgh has been distinguished is an understatement. We wish him every success and thank him for the huge contribution he has made to Edinburgh.”