Pirates turn down Premiership KO Cup invitation

Poole Pirates have made the decision not to compete in the 2025 Premiership Knockout Cup due to “logistical and financial challenges”.

The Wimborne Road outfit were a former powerhouse at the top level before making the decision to step down to the Championship in 2020.

After winning the league title as part of a treble of trophies in 2024, Premiership CEO Phil Morris announced Poole were invited to compete against the elite in the cup competition next season, as well as continuing their second-tier campaign.

But a statement issued by the Pirates listed why they have turned down the opportunity to face Sheffield in the first round of the competition.

The statement reads: “While the invitation was both unexpected and exciting, several logistical and financial challenges have made it unviable at this time.

“A key consideration was the significant cost of bringing top riders to the UK for a standalone competition. Additionally, competing in the Premiership KO Cup would require us to start our fixtures much earlier than planned, which isn’t ideal for our overall schedule.

“We have also reached out to potential new sponsors, and while there has been some interest in supporting the Pirates for a potential Premiership return, the uptake has not been sufficient to make participation in this competition feasible for 2025.

“Our focus remains on building on the success of our treble-winning 2024 season in the Cab Direct Championship, MAXiCab KO cup and BSN series.”

Pirates have won the Knockout Cup at Championship level in three of the past four seasons. They claimed three top-flight cups in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

(Picture: Taylor Lanning Photography)