The Leicester Lions have confirmed a major boost ahead of the 2026 campaign with the return of Australian star Sam Masters, who will also step into the role of club captain.
The 34-year-old has become a key figure at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park since joining the Watling JCB Lions ahead of the 2024 season. Previously best known for his long association with Wolverhampton prior to the closure of Monmore Green, Masters first rode for Leicester back in 2015 as a doubling-up rider.
After switching to the Lions full-time, Masters quickly established himself as a leader within the team, serving as vice-captain to Max Fricke as Leicester enjoyed a hugely successful spell. Over the past two seasons, the Lions reached two Premiership Grand Finals and lifted the KO Cup, underlining their status as one of the sport’s leading sides.
Masters returns for 2026 on an average of 7.28, following a consistent campaign which included a formidable home record. He scored double figures on eight occasions in league action at Beaumont Park, playing a central role in Leicester’s title challenges.
Speaking about his decision to remain with the club, Masters said he felt settled and eager to continue building on recent success.
“I don’t like switching clubs too much, I feel pretty settled and when you feel like that there’s no point in leaving!” Masters told the Leicester Speedway website.
Reflecting on the near-misses in the Premiership, he added:
“I’ve enjoyed the last two years at Leicester, and although two second places is hard to take, at the same time it’s shown how successful we’ve been. There have been plenty of other teams below us in those two seasons!” (Leicester Speedway website)
Masters also spoke warmly about the welcome he has received since arriving at Beaumont Park.
“When you’re winning, like we have been, it’s been fun, and although it was always going to be hard to leave Wolves after so long, Stewart (Dickson) and everyone at the club have made me feel more than welcome and I’m grateful that they want me to stay,” he said via the Leicester Speedway website.
With Fricke unable to be accommodated in the 2026 line-up, Masters acknowledged the challenge of stepping into the captaincy role.
“It’s unfortunate that they couldn’t fit Max in because we had a lot of good team-rides and we were a pretty good pairing in Heats 13 and 15, so we’ll miss him, plus he was a good captain,” Masters explained.
“It’s big boots for me to fill as captain, but it’s something I’ve done before and I can only do my best and I’m already looking forward to it.” (Leicester Speedway website)
Currently back in Australia, Masters is already focused on preparations for the new season.
“I’m back home at the moment looking to prepare and get as fit as I can ready for another big season, and it was good to hear that the league itself is under control and we can look forward to next year,” he added, speaking to the Leicester Speedway website.
Masters becomes Leicester’s second confirmed signing for 2026, following the return of Dan Thompson from Ipswich, with further team news expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway
