THE management committee of the British Speedway Promoters' Association has this afternoon given Poole Pirates the green light to replace the injured Darcy Ward with club asset and 2012 world champion Chris Holder.

Holder is scheduled to cover for his fellow Turbo Twin in the Pirates one-to-seven for 28 days while Ward recovers from a broken thumb, concussion and soft tissue damage in his left knee, which he sustained in a collision with Martin Smolinski in the New Zealand Grand Prix on Saturday.

After the month is up, Poole are expected to bring back Ward and revert to their original line-up, provided the two-time world under-21 champion is fit.

Pirates promoter Matt Ford said: "It's a super feeling to welcome Chris back and I know Poole fans will be delighted with the news.

"Chris's inclusion will enable Darcy to take his time with his recovery and not rush back before he is fully ready."

Pirates skipper Ward yesterday gained a second opinion on his injuries from doctors in Poland and will not undergo surgery on his thumb - the advice given to him by medics in Auckland.

Holder, based in Ringwood, was an interested spectator as Pirates defeated Eastbourne 52-37 in their Elite League opener at Wimborne Road on Wednesday.

Ford had previously admitted that the Torun, Piraterna and Outrup star was lacking equipment in this country, but it now appears that Holder will be able to overcome that issue.

The 26-year-old Aussie is due to make his return to the Poole side on Monday, when Neil Middleditch's men take on Coventry in front of the Sky Sports cameras (8pm).