CHRIS Holder is desperate for a reunion with Darcy Ward but insists Poole Pirates will launch a fierce title defence with or without the talisman.

Club asset Holder was last week confirmed in Poole's one-to-seven for the 2015 Elite League campaign but the future of his suspended countryman and fellow Turbo Twin remains unclear.

Ward faces an FIM Disciplinary Court appearance on January 8 following his failed alcohol test at the Latvian Grand Prix in August, with the outcome set to heavily impact Pirates' team-building plans.

Sydneysider Holder is keen to link up with Queenslander Ward at Wimborne Road but says the club hierarchy will put together a title-challenging line-up whatever the verdict.

Holder told the Daily Echo: “It would be really good to race at Poole with Darcy next year so fingers crossed it will work out for him.

“No one really has a clue what's going to happen but the club is covering everything. They have a few teams on paper that they can go with if it works out or it doesn't and it's looking good either way.

“Poole have always been used to being up the front and I'm sure next year will be no different.

“Of course it would be great if Darcy could be there and put everything that has happened behind him. That would be the best thing for everybody but we will have to see what happens.”

Alongside Pirates, Holder is set to return to Polish club Torun and Swedish outfit Piraterna next season as well as racing in the Grand Prix series.

And the Ringwood-based charger says he cannot wait to get back on the bike following an injury-plagued couple of years.

Holder added: “It's going to be a lot busier riding in three leagues including England but I will be making up for lost time, I suppose.

“For it to work out that I'm going to be riding for Poole, I couldn't be any happier.

“I will try and get in the best shape during the off-season so that when it comes to March I am ready for the marathon of meetings.”

Holder is unsure if he will defend his Australian Solo Speedway Championship title in January due to minor equipment concerns.

Newly-recruited Poole asset Dakota North is set to take part in the qualifying round at Adelaide track Gillman on January 2.