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

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.

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

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.”