Warriors bring in Hickey on loan

Hickey joined London Irish from Munster in July 2007

Worcester Warriors have signed London Irish fly-half Eoghan Hickey on a six-week loan deal.

The 25-year-old has joined the Warriors to provide cover to a squad with a number of injury problems.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock told BBC Hereford and Worceter: "Loki Crichton had an MRI scan on a heel problem and he's going to be out for five weeks.

"That made our mind up that we needed to look for someone to come in and help us out."

Ruddock added: "We have an unusual number of injuries at the moment, particularly in the backs, so it was important that we looked at whether we needed some cover."

Ruddock also said he was delighted that the Warriors had been able to bring in such an experienced player, especially as he is likely to figure in a key area of the field.

"Eoghan is a proven Premiership player - he has played Heineken Cup rugby, and for Ireland A," said Ruddock.

"He's also been part of a very successful London Irish team so we're pleased that he is joining us for that six-week period."

Hickey joined London Irish from Munster in 2007 and has made 14 appearances for the Exiles.

He can kick off both feet and can play anywhere in the back-line.

We need to get a big performance to get some good form going into the Bristol game

Mike Ruddock

The Warriors are likely to hand Welsh international Hal Luscombe his long-awaited debut in the European Challenge Cup game against Bourgoin on Saturday.

Sam Tuitupou is also likely to figure, although he will be checked on his return from New Zealand later this week.

After the disappointing defeat by Bourgoin in France last time out, Ruddock said the squad has a point to prove.

"We need to get a big performance and turn around after a couple of defeats now to get some good form going into the Bristol game," said Ruddock.

"There's a lot of pressure on us to do that, but it's the right sort of pressure - to perform in front of our own fans - and we're looking forward to doing that."