PROP Tevita Taumoepau’s dislocated fingers will force Worcester Warriors boss Mike Ruddock to intensify his search for front-row reinforcements.

The Tongan tighthead suffered the injury to two of the digits on his left hand after 19 minutes of the 26-22 Sixways defeat to Harlequins.

Director of rugby Ruddock revealed he has been scouring the globe in a bid to bolster his injury-ravaged pack, which is already without Matt Mullan, Shaun Ruwers and Olivier Sourgens.

With just props Adam Black, Callum Black and the inexperienced Jack Gilding at his disposal, Ruddock is likely to be forced to act early this week rather than waiting to assess the extent of Taumoepeau’s injury.

But the Welshman may decide not to bring in an extra player if veteran Frenchman Sourgens can prove his fitness.

As a precaution, though, Ruddock has spoken with PRL rugby director Phil Winstanley to make sure Warriors have the green light to bring in a replacement and has made countless enquiries in the UK, France and even the southern hemisphere.

He said: “The difficulties are finding a prop that is good enough and not on contract somewhere else, plus finding a club who want to release someone at this point of the season.

“I will know at some stage this week and Olivier’s fitness is going to be crucial. But over the last two weeks I’ve been looking at my options and that doesn’t just include the UK.

“I have looked at France and also the southern hemisphere.

“We have looked at the right mechanics so that, if we do go for a prop that we identify is good enough to do a job for us, everyone is informed and we can do it.

“We have been asking about players and the process is on-going. I have asked a couple of clubs in the Championship and in Wales about props. We have been very active in that regard.

“But in Wales, for example, Newport Gwent Dragons have been looking everywhere for a prop as they have got a number of front-row injuries.

“We have also spoken to Neath about a player — Martin Jones — but they are not in a position to release him.”

He added: “We need to look at it and we are a little light on props. With Tevita’s injury, it makes it a little worse.

“Olivier is still to come back from his injury and young Jack did OK when he came on at tighthead.

“But it is a big ask for him if he does get the nod. He won’t let us down but it will be a steep learning curve.”