Poole Pirates have signed duo Rafal Dobrucki and Christian Hefenbrock for the 2011 Elite League season.

Dobrucki, 34, joins the club on a 5.46 average, whilst Hefenbrock, 25, will share a reserve position with Poole youngster Kyle Newman.

Poole promoter Matt Ford told the club website: "I've been a long-time admirer of Rafal's ability and I believe he'll come in and settle in quickly with us.

"Whereas I see Christian as being a very influential reserve."

Ford added: "Rafal has the ability to vastly improve on that starting figure (5.46) and I again re-iterate that he is committed to the full season.

I am still hopeful that Renat Gafurov will be granted the necessary paperwork to be able to take his place with us for the season Poole Pirates promoter Matt Ford

"Christian is a real steal on that figure (3.23) and he will share a doubling up berth with Kyle.

"We will look at operating the duo on a 'where best' basis but I would expect Christian will do the lion's share of the meetings, as we look to develop Kyle slowly with the view that he will take over the senior role in a year's time."

The addition of the former world under-21 champion Dobrucki and German Hefenbrock means Poole now have seven riders confirmed for the new season, and just one position to fill before their 2011 campaign gets underway.

Ford admits Russian Renat Gafurov is the prime contender for the last spot on the Pirates team but the move is subject to a work permit.

"I am still hopeful that Renat will be granted the necessary paperwork to be able to take his place with us for the season, but this is a drawn-out procedure and we just need to be patient," said Ford.

"Should the decision go against him then I do have other options open to me and I am hoping that the situation will become a great deal clearer in the next week or so."

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