APOLOGETIC Australian Chris Holder has said sorry to Pirates fans after breaking his collarbone while motocross riding.

In-form Holder expects to be on the sidelines for about two-and-a-half weeks following the accident which occurred on Thursday. He will begin treatment in Ipswich next week in the hope of making a quick return to the saddle.

But the injury could prove costly to Pirates as they attempt to climb the Elite League and, speaking to the Daily Echo, Holder sent a message to the club’s supporters.

“I’m sorry but I do have a life apart from speedway and I’m not going to sit at home in cotton wool,” he said.

“I didn’t mean it but these things happen.

“There’s not much I can do about it and I don’t think I’ll miss that many meetings. I think I’ll be back pretty soon. It’s probably the best bone to break because it doesn’t take too long to heal.”

Poole Castle Cover chief Matt Ford was far from pleased by the news. He said: “Missing out on three leagues (Britain, Poland and Sweden) is going to be a very costly hour or two of fun on his motor bike.

“We don’t want to stop people having fun and enjoying themselves.

“But I can’t say it hasn’t hurt the club because it has. It has not made our current position near the bottom of the league easier.”

Pirates will use rider-replacement for Holder, starting at home to Eastbourne next Wednesday.