Swindon used Parsons as a guest rider in April

Swindon Robins will use Joel Parsons as their number eight rider after news that Cory Gathercole has been ruled out for six weeks with a hand injury.

He will not be able to ride in home meetings as he lines up for Sheffield on a Thursday in the Premier League.

Co-owner Gary Patchett told BBC Radio Swindon: "We were vulnerable as a team without a designated number eight, and it's good to know we can rely on Joel."

"This gives us added stability during the late July, early August schedule."