TODD KURTZ, one of the stars of Sheffield’s title triumph, will be back with the club next season.

He becomes the sixth rider unveiled for the defence of the Championship crown, joining Lasse Bjerre, Charles Wright, Josh Bates, James Shanes and Jack Smith.

Club co-owner Peter Mole said: “I’m delighted to welcome Todd back, I’m certain he can do another good job for the team.

“I’ve known the Kurtz family for many years and have become good friends, but this move wasn’t about sentiment, there’s no room for that in team building!

“I honestly believe he can do his job as part of what appears to be a solid team. It’s going to be tough defending the league title but we will give it a go.”

Kurtz himself, speaking from his Australian base, said: "Last season was a dream come true, winning the title with a great group of blokes.

“It was honestly the perfect outcome from the season. It makes me want to dig deep for more in 2018.

"I’ve got a season at Sheffield under my belt now and we have won the title.

"Next year we don’t want to settle for anything less. We will fight until the end."