NEW signing Jono Kitto was brought to director of rugby Alan Solomons’ attention by former Worcester Warriors boss Gary Gold.

Solomons revealed Gold spoke highly of Kitto when having a discussion about scrum-halves before he went out and signed the ex-New Zealand under 20s international for next season.

The 26-year-old made two appearances under Gold after joining Worcester on a month-long loan at the start of the 2017-18 campaign.

Solomons who succeeded Gold in December 2017 said players who had got know to Kitto during his time at Sixways also sung his praises.

“Gary said he was a first-class bloke and an excellent player,” Solomons said.

“He very complimentary about him.

“That was the first time I knew about Jono as we were discussing scrum-halves and he mentioned him to me.

“I have watched footage of him play but the guys that have worked with him previously at the club really did sing his praises, both as a bloke and as a player.

“I think he will add huge value to the club.

“I have obviously had a number of conversation with him on the phone and he seems like a really good lad.

“He has obviously got a good rugby pedigree growing up in Christchurch which helps.”

Kitto moved over to England in the summer of 2015 after signing for Leicester Tigers from Waikato Chiefs’ development squad.

But with his game-time limited at Tigers the number nine had short spells on loan at Warriors and Harlequins last season.

He joined New Zealand provincial side Northland and helped them reach the Mitre10 Cup semi-finals in 2018.

“He is pretty experienced at this point and has played in the Premiership,” Solomons said.

“He has had the added advantage of having played for this club.

“That makes a massive difference.

“New Zealand are the number one rugby nation. Their system is superb so he has come through that and that would have benefitted him enormously.

“He is like most scrum-halves from New Zealand as he has got a quick, accurate service and reads the game well, so he has got a lot to add as a player.”