SCRUM-HALF Jono Kitto is set for a second stint with Worcester Warriors after signing a contract for next season.

The ex-New Zealand under 20s international had a short loan spell at Warriors last term and will return to the club on a permanent deal from New Zealand provincial side Northland.

But with Northland set to compete in this year's Mitre 10 Cup which ends in late October Warriors have yet to confirm when Kitto will arrive at Sixways.

The 26-year-old made two appearances off the bench at the start of the 2017-18 campaign after arriving from Leicester Tigers to provide injury cover.

And Kitto admitted the chance to come back to Worcester was “too good to miss”.

“I am really excited to be heading back to play rugby in the Gallagher Premiership and in particular with the Worcester Warriors,” Kitto said.

“I really enjoyed my brief stint there in 2017 and met some good people that I am looking forward to working with again.

“It has been good to be home the last year reconnecting with family and friends and I really enjoyed my time with Northland, but the opportunity to join Worcester was too good to miss.”

Kitto has previous gained Premiership experience with Leicester Tigers and Harlequins.

The number nine is Warriors’ third new signing for next term following the capture of lock Graham Kitchener who will re-join from Leicester and tighthead prop Conor Carey who will move from Connacht.

Warriors boss Alan Solomons said: “Jono is a quality, experienced scrum-half who has the distinct advantage of not only having played in the Premiership, but of having played for the club.

“Everyone at the club who worked with him sings his praises as both a player and a bloke so I have no doubt he will add huge value and we look forward to welcoming him back to Sixways.”