Gloucester have signed hooker Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia on a three-month contract as “essential” injury cover.
Boyle-Tiatia has been playing for Waikato in New Zealand’s second tier, the National Provincial Championship (NPC).
He comes in with all three of the Cherry and Whites’ first-choice hookers currently out injured.
“It’s no secret that we’ve faced a challenging period with multiple injuries in one position, so securing Manaaki on a short-term deal was essential,” director of rugby George Skivington said.
“It’s a difficult time of the year to find players who are available immediately as sides are always reluctant to reduce their resources in specialist positions, so with the NPC finished in New Zealand, I’m pleased that we’ve been able bring in Manaaki.”
