Pirates given shock invitation to compete in Premiership Knockout Cup

Poole Pirates have been given a surprise invitation to compete among top-flight teams in British Speedway, after accepting a place in the 2025 Premiership Knockout Cup.

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

And after winning the league title as part of a treble of trophies in 2024, Premiership CEO Phil Morris announced Poole would be competing against the elite in the cup competition.

He said: “It’s good to have all the teams in the KO Cup, including Oxford this time, and we felt it would be great to have eight clubs competing with no byes, so Poole were invited in as Championship champions, and they accepted.

“They will be given a concession to build to Premiership level whilst keeping the majority of their team, and should there be any rider clash, the Premiership team would take priority.”

Pirates promoter Danny Ford said: "The AGM was very productive, the most unexpected development being our invitation to the Premiership KO Cup, which we have provisionally accepted.

"There are still many things to consider around that proposal and we will be putting meat on the bones of the offer over the coming months, with the help of Premiership CEO Phil Morris, but it is a very exciting opportunity that we are eager to pursue."

Poole will take on Sheffield in the opening round of the competition – the Tigers had former Pirates Jack and Chris Holder in their ranks last season, as well as three-time world chmpion Tai Woffinden.

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)