WORCESTER Warriors have swooped to bring in South African hooker Kurt Haupt on a short-term deal.

With Joe Taufete'e set to join USA on international duty through November and Niall Annett and Matti Williams missing through injury, Haupt will provide extra competition for the number two jersey and joins up with his new teammates immediately.

The 28-year-old represented the Blue Bulls in the 2013 Vodacom Cup before moving to the South Western District Eagles.

In the 2016 Currie Cup qualification the hooker was in prolific tryscoring form, crossing the whitewash five times in just nine appearances for the Eagles.

He went on to represent the Southern Kings in this year’s Super Rugby competition where he made eight appearances and helped the side produce some big upsets after defeating the Waratahs in Australia and also the Sharks.

Director of rugby Gary Gold said: “Kurt is an experienced player who will add competition at hooker. We’re looking forward to getting him involved as soon as possible and are excited about what he can offer.”