Werner has informed the club he has retired from riding

Somerset Rebels are looking for two new riders following the shock departure of Steve Boxall and Brent Werner.

Werner, 35, signed for the club shortly after the start of the season to cover for the injured Jay Herne, but has informed the team he wishes to retire.

Ex-Rebel Jordon Frampton has been drafted in for their Premier Trophy match at King's Lynn on Wednesday.

Werner's move follows Boxall's decision to quit the club just hours before Friday's match against Rye House.

Somerset team manager Steve Bishop told the club website: "We were grateful for Brent coming into the team at such short notice when he replaced Jay but I think the fact he had not really ridden for some 10 months or so prior to joining Somerset showed.

At about lunchtime on Friday I received a text message from Boxall simply stating 'I quit, sorry mate' Somerset team manager Steve Bishop

"Knowing Brent as I do, he probably felt that he wasn't doing himself or the team justice."

Speaking about Boxall's exit, Bishop explained: "At about lunchtime on Friday I received a text message from Boxall simply stating 'I quit, sorry mate'.

"The fact that he informed us by text rather than by a phone call is probably as disappointing as his actual decision to quit.

"The club has provided him with equipment and a van, as well as team kevlars, and gave him a team place when no one else seemingly wanted him, and we are repaid in this way."

The Rebels have been granted a 28-day facility to cover for his absence.

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