Kent Royals have announced their line-up for the 2023 National Development League season.

Ben Morley, Connor King, Joe Alcock and Sam Woolley all return from last year, while a familiar face is back in the county in the form of Nathan Ablitt, who raced for Kent Kings in 2019.

Races will be a family affair, too, with the arrival at Iwade of Sam Woolley’s older brother, Tom Woolley, who joins Royals from Scottish side Armadale. Tom Woolley will captain the side next term.

Rhys Naylor, who started 2022 as former Royals rider Alfie Bowtell’s mechanic and returns to racing after 12 years out of the saddle, completes the squad.

Promoters Graham Arnold and Si Kellow said: “We wanted to build on what we learned last year, and even with the increase in the points limit it made it incredibly difficult to achieve what we were seeking to do.

“The team we have put together is well known to Royals fans, with technically only one new face in the form of Tom Woolley.”

Royals are also hoping for an expanded league in 2023. There are six clubs committed for NDL action, but Kellow would welcome more competition.

“We really hope to see more than six teams in the league,” Kellow said.

“But if that is what the number turns out to be, then we hope that we can put together a calendar of meaningful racing for fans and riders and make the most of the available dates.”