LEICESTER have made a team change ahead of their ROWE Motor Oil Premiership double header against Oxford on Easter Monday.
The Watling JCB Lions have moved to sign former Sheffield rider Dan Gilkes to take their Rising Star position, and he will make his debut at Cowley in the lunchtime meeting (1pm).
Gilkes takes the place of Sam Hagon, who has struggled for points in the early stages of the 2025 campaign, having joined the Lions last May.
Hagon will now look to concentrate on finding top form for Berwick in the Championship, and all at Leicester wish him well for the rest of the season.
21-year-old Gilkes has two seasons of top-league experience behind him at Owlerton, having been part of Sheffield’s title-winning squad of 2023 although he was sidelined by injury prior to the play-offs. He then helped the Tigers to win the KO Cup last year.
Gilkes started the 2025 season without a top-flight place, but ironically he races for Oxford in the Championship, and he scored a paid maximum on his first appearance for the Cheetahs earlier this month.
Lions manager Stewart Dickson said: “We thank Sam for his efforts, but he has found points hard to come by in what is a very competitive No.7 position in the Premiership this season.
“I’m sure he will come again, he’s got plenty of time on his side and he needs to focus on his racing with Berwick and hopefully then have another go at the top league.
“We’re pleased to welcome Dan into the team, and we’ve redeclared so he will make his debut at Oxford on Monday before his first appearance at home that evening.
“Hopefully he can come in and score some points, which will also help take the pressure off Drew Kemp somewhat, as after a bright start to the season he has faded slightly in the last couple of meetings.
“We look forward to having Drew and Dan racing for us at reserve, starting on Monday.”
