Kurt Haupt: Worcester Warriors sign South African hooker on short-term deal

Kurt Haupt's most recent club in South Africa was Southern Kings

Worcester Warriors have signed South African hooker Kurt Haupt as injury cover on a short-term deal.

The 28-year-old will help fill the gap left by the absence of Joe Taufete'e, who is on international duty with the USA throughout November.

Warriors are also without two other hookers, Niall Annett and Matti Williams, because of injuries.

"Kurt is an experienced player who will add competition at hooker," said director of rugby Gary Gold.

Haupt has played for Blue Bulls, South Western District Eagles and Southern Kings in his native South Africa.

Up-for sale Warriors are bottom of the Premiership, having won just once in 10 matches in all competitions this season.

Warriors have full 15 on injury list

Warriors are currently without 15 injured first-team players, of whom Annett and flanker Marco Mama are the longest-term absentees, both out until at least April with ACL injuries.

They are also missing Lions centre Ben Te'o, fellow centre Wynand Olivier, number eight GJ Van Velze (concussion), flankers Dewald Potgieter (knee), Matt Cox (biceps) and Carl Kirwan and lock David Denton.

And they are now without both their first and second choice selections at stand-off and scrum-half.

On top of the loss of Ryan Mills (quad) and Francois Hougaard (adductor), they have again lost Tom Heathcote and Jonny Arr to concussion - and are also without utility back Jamie Shillcock.

Australian fly-half Jono Lance, who signed on a short-term deal in October, will continue to deputise for this Sunday's Anglo-Welsh Cup tie at Harlequins.