Gloucester sign 'essential' hooker Boyle-Tiatia

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."

Seb Blake and Jack Innard have both missed the past few games while Jack Singleton has been ruled out indefinitely due to a cardiac incident in September.

Will Crane was drafted in from Championship side Hartpury for last week's defeat at Newcastle Red Bulls, in what was his first Prem start.

Boyle-Tiatia will join Gloucester next week and so the first game he will be eligible for selection is the Champions Cup visit of Toulon on 17 January.

The Cherry and Whites have won just two of 11 games this season in the Prem and Champions Cup.