THE disciplinary hearing of Poole Pirates asset Darcy Ward has been delayed.

Ward, who failed an alcohol test ahead of the Latvian Grand Prix in August, was originally due to appear before the FIM Disciplinary Court this coming Thursday.

However, the Aussie star will have to wait to learn his fate.

It is thought that the hearing will now take place the following week, with Thursday, January 15 the most likely date.

Ward has been suspended from all speedway by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) since the offence.

He was a spectator when Pirates secured back-to-back Elite League titles courtesy of victory over King’s Lynn in October.

The suspension also caused the 22-year-old to miss the end of the Polish and Swedish seasons and meant he slipped out of the top eight in the world championship standings.

Pirates chief Matt Ford has not ruled Ward out of Pirates' 2015 line-up.

The promoter told the Daily Echo earlier this week that "anyone up to an 8.97 average is still in the equation".