PIRATES charger Kyle Newman has been ruled out of this afternoon's British semi-final at Glasgow.

The 24-year-old reserve, who has been struggling with a groin problem, has already stated he expects to be fit for Poole's home fixture with Leicester on Wednesday.

But it is understood Newman is keen to exercise caution and that he will sit out the meeting in Scotland in order to maximise his recovery.

The doubling-up ace could still feature in the British final but would need to be granted a wild card.

Two passes to the final are available with one of those likely to go to Coventry's Danny King.

Poole-born Newman originally sustained internal bleeding in the home victory over Coventry at the end of last month.

He battled through the pain barrier to race against the Bees at Brandon 48 hours later and had appeared on course for a full recovery ahead of Pirates' trip to Wolves at the beginning of last week.

However, the night before the meeting, Newman was admitted to hospital with an infection which had developed from the original internal haemorrhage, ruling him out further.