POOLE Pirates asset Darcy Ward is understood to be on the verge of a shock loan move to fierce rivals Swindon Robins.

With Poole promoter Matt Ford reluctant to break up his high-flying side to accommodate the Aussie ace, speculation has intensified ahead of his return from a 10-month ban, which ends at midnight on Saturday. 

Elite League strugglers Lakeside had been touted as Ward’s most likely destination for the rest of 2015 with the Hammers five points off the play-offs having completed up to five more meetings than the other play-off contenders.

On paper, that would appear to be the safer option for Pirates with Swindon right in the mix for the top four and a place in the end-of-season championship shootout. 

Robins boss Alun Rossiter admitted his club’s promotion had discussed Ward’s availability with their Poole counterparts and that he had since liaised with the rider as he seeks to replace Adrian Miedzinski and Peter Kildemand in his one-to-five. 

And while Rossiter remains adamant a deal has yet to be struck, Echo sources indicate that globally-renowned talent Ward is closing in on a stint with one of Pirates’ biggest adversaries. 

When quizzed on his swoop for Ward, Rossiter told the Daily Echo: “I have enquired as to whether Darcy would be interested but unfortunately, it is not straightforward for me because we would need to find another rider.

“It is like trying to link together a big chain at the moment but one thing is clear, we cannot carry on without two riders. 

“We have not discussed terms yet and nothing is done and dusted. Of course, anybody would want a rider of Darcy Ward’s calibre but I do have a situation that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

“There would be a lot to sort out with visas and so on. We will have to look at how our different options might work along with the other riders we have at Swindon. 

“We should know what we are doing in the next three or four days but it could be a bit longer.” 

On his feedback from Ward, Rossiter added: “He has given me no preference. He said he had a few people interested and that was how we left it. 

“Poole can’t fit him in so unless something goes seriously wrong between now and the end of his ban, I guess he is free to go where he wants.”

Quizzed on the possibility of Poole stopping Ward from riding for a title rival, Rossiter said: “They could do if they wanted to. I don’t think it would go down too well but I don’t know.”

The Echo has been unable to contact Matt Ford.