THE curse of the number seven jacket has struck Pirates yet again, with news their two new signings could both be out of contention next week.

With Shaun Tacey stepping down earlier this week, Australian duo Matthew Wethers, of Edinburgh, and Robert Ksiezak, of Glasgow, were drafted in under the doubling-up rule.

Ksiezak made his debut against Eastbourne on Wednesday but it seems that will be his last appearance this season after it was discovered he is ineligible to fill the berth permanently.

Meanwhile, Wethers, who is due to make his Poole bow at home to Ipswich on Wednesday, suffered muscular problems in his back during Edinburgh's visit to Somerset. He was due to see a specialist on Friday and the prognosis will determine whether or not he will be fit to fill the number seven slot against the Witches.

On Ksiezak, promoter Matt Ford said: "Clearly, we all regret that the club were led to believe Robert was available to join us.

"Reserve riders in the Premier League are graded and Robert was listed as a grade B man.

"These gradings take into account nationality and whether a rider has progressed through the Conference.

"On further examination, the BSPA found Robert would not be able to complete his move."

However, Edinburgh promoter John Campbell offered hope with regard to Wethers's fitness.

He said: "The fact the track at Somerset was heavy may have aggravated the problem and he couldn't go on after the second race. The paramedic there told Matthew if he withdrew then, it was likely he could come back quickly, but if he carried on he could put himself out for the season. "He will definitely miss the Scottish Open meeting tonight but we hope he may make our meeting at Berwick tomorrow, depending on the assessment."

To rub salt into the wounds, Poole number eight Jason Doyle damaged cruciate ligaments in his left leg riding for the Isle of Wight on Tuesday. Islanders promoter Dave Pavitt said he would be likely to miss their next two home meetings.

Pirates are now in talks to find another rider to fill the doubling-up spot vacated by Ksiezak's ineligibility.