PIRATES boss Matt Ford revealed the return of Jack Holder for 2019 – and said the Aussie had unquestionably become a “top-line rider”.

The 22-year-old Poole asset returns to the fold on a 7.39 average and will assume the number one spot for the defending champions next season.

Holder spent 2017 with Pirates before flourishing in a switch to Somerset during the previous campaign.

His season was ended abruptly after a crash with close friend Brady Kurtz in the second leg of the SGB Premiership play-off semi-final against Pirates at Wimborne Road in October.

But with the Rebels electing to drop to the SGB Championship, Poole chief Ford was keen to reunite with the former Australian under-21 champion.

He told the Daily Echo: “Jack went out on loan to Somerset last season and I actually think the move was a very good one for him. He significantly increased his average and did incredibly well.

“He worked a year with Jason Doyle and, of course, when he would go across to Poland he was working with his brother Chris, Jason and Niels-Kristian Iversen.

“I think the experience he picked up last year has unquestionably made him a top-line rider.

“The rider we are getting back in Jack now has clearly progressed significantly and will be leading the team from the number one position. You only have to read Jason Doyle’s words about him recently in what an incredible rider he is becoming and that he will go to the very top.

“He is also now signed up to ride in Sweden, which of course is a very tough league as well. That shows the stature he is held in and that he is progressing quickly.

“The very best leagues now want Jack in their teams.”

The Sydneysider became the third member of Ford’s septet with Kurtz and Nico Covatti already confirmed to don the skull and crossbones. “With Brady of course the two of them are great friends,” added Ford.

“The last time we saw them together collectively at Poole was when Brady was chasing Jack and clipped his back wheel going into the third bend, putting both of the guys in hospital.

“Fingers crossed we don’t have any of that type of thing happening. I know Brady is over the moon to have Jack back and I am sure it is a signing which is well received with Pirates fans.”

Ford revealed he had held talks to bring back Holder for next season, six months before the 2018 campaign ended. He said: “I spoke to Jack last season and said ‘do whatever you want to do but let me just tell you that I would love to have you back at Poole next year’. That comment was made to him in April or May time.

“There are a lot of very good riders still in the Premiership and Jack is certainly one of those.

“We are going to benefit from what he is going on to do in the sport.”