FOURTH-CHOICE Worcester Warriors scrum-half Luke Baldwin has made the move to high-flying Harlequins on a short-term loan.

Baldwin 28, has joined the London club with immediate effect following recent injuries to Danny Care and ex-Warrior Charlie Mulchrone.

Baldwin said: “I am delighted to be joining Harlequins and look forward to helping them during this excellent season they are having.

“I have an enormous amount of respect for Gussy (Harlequins’ head of rugby Paul Gustard) and the work he is doing at the club and I can’t wait to get started.”

Baldwin signed a three-year deal in February last year but has played just 48 minutes for Warriors this season having fallen behind Francois Hougaard, Michael Heaney and Jonny Arr in the pecking order.

The first of his two outings this term came off the bench in the European Challenge Cup victory over Stade Francais in Paris in October before starting in the Premiership Rugby Cup match at Saracens in November.

While Warriors are hovering just one place above the drop zone Harlequins are riding high in third position after snatching a late win at Bath at the weekend.

Gustard said: “I am delighted Balders has joined us.

“He will strengthen an area where we currently have a few injuries and lack of availability.

“To secure Luke in this period is a real positive step for us.

“I am very thankful for Alan Solomons and Worcester Warriors for allowing Luke to join us and I appreciate the work head of recruitment Ed Spokes has done over the last two days to get this sorted after our victory in Bath.

“Luke is a quick, running nine who has a strong core skill-set which I am sure our supporters will look forward to seeing.

“Having coached him for many years previously I know he is a very likeable lad who will add great value off the field.”