Irish youngster Jack Kennedy has made the much-anticipated switch to World Supersport, signing with the Rivamoto Honda team under the tutelage of team manager Jeremy McWilliams.

Kennedy finished runner-up to Glen Richards in this year's British Supersport Championship but rumours about his move to the world stage began when Stuart Easton signed for the Mar-Train team with which Kennedy had been riding.

"I am delighted to have signed a contract with Rivamoto. This is a fantastic opportunity to participate in the World Championship. I will try to do everything to make sure the team believes in me, and to achieve the best results," said Kennedy, who has already tested with the team.

"Of course, I have no illusions, I'm a rookie in this series, and I still have much to learn. But tests in Jerez showed that I had a good feeling with the bike. So now I'm looking forward to the season."