Poole searching for replacement after Bowes injury blow

Poole Pirates promoter Danny Ford insisted the club would be working hard behind the scenes to source a replacement for injury-stricken Fraser Bowes.

The Aussie revealed he had suffered a back injury which would keep him out for the remainder of the 2026 season. A bulging disc following an MRI scan was the cause of the problem for the Poole charger.

Speaking about fresh signing to replace Bowes, with his side operating rider replacement for him over the past week, Ford said: “As things stand, we don't have anyone lined up. Fortunately we have a few weeks until our next fixture which gives us a little bit of breathing space, but once we return to action it becomes a very busy period for us.

"We'll be working hard behind the scenes to identify the right replacement. We don't want to rush into anything, but equally we know we need to strengthen the team if we're to achieve what we want to this season. Hopefully we'll have some news for supporters in the coming weeks."

He added: “We're all absolutely devastated for Fraser. Nobody has seen the amount of effort he has been putting in behind the scenes to get himself back on a bike, but he has continually been hampered by pain and setbacks and now we know why.

"I really feel for him because things haven't gone his way this season. First he suffered the workshop injury which delayed the start of his year, and then the crash at Poole happened in what was his very first meeting back. Since then he's been doing everything possible to get himself fit, but the injury simply hasn't healed as we had hoped.

"Fraser has also had a frustrating time in Poland which has severely limited his opportunities for bike time away from Pirates fixtures, so it has been a difficult year all round for him.

"Everyone at Poole wishes Fraser the very best with his recovery and we hope to see him back in British Speedway next season."

Poole’s next meeting comes at home against Scunthorpe on Wednesday, July 15.