WARRIORS director of rugby John Brain believes that Tom Harding can fulfil his early promise at Sixways.

The New Zealand-born flanker has signed a deal that will keep him at Worcester until the end of next season. He qualifies for both England and Wales and Brain is confident the 23-year-old can make a name for himself in the Premiership.

"We're very pleased with the signing." He said. "He's a player we've known about for some time.

"The initial decision for him was whether he wanted to play his rugby in the UK because he had the option to play for New Zealand. Once he made that decision we were very interested."

Harding is the younger brother of All Black player Sam, who scored a try for Northampton against Worcester in the Powergen Cup at the start of the month. He is a specialist open-side and will provide back-up for Brain if Pat Sanderson is retained in the England squad for the autumn internationals.

Sanderson's involvement looks all the more likely following a medial ligament injury to Wasps' Joe Worsley.

But Harding, who has been playing for North Harbour in New Zealand, has still to complete his degree at Otago University and it is unclear when he will be available to play for Warriors.

Brain said: "I'm not absolutely certain when he will be able to get here. We'd like him here on November 1 but we may not be able to get him here until December 1.

"It's looking increasing likely that Pat will be involved with England. Tom adds more depth in that area."

Warriors are still trying to sign a new hooker after Andre Van Niekerk had surgery on his dislocated shoulder yesterday. The South African is likely to be out for around three months.

Phil Murphy is doubtful for Saturday's European Cup match against Montpellier Herault after suffering more problems with his Achilles. Fellow lock Tim Collier has a groin injury and will be assessed later in the week.

Nicolas Le Roux and Chris Horsman have ankle problems but Brain hopesl they will be OK for the Sixways clash.