DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons is relishing the prospect of having a “New Zealand influence” in his Worcester Warriors squad next season.

Hooker Matt Moulds and scrum-half Jono Kitto will join up with fellow Kiwi Michael Fatialofa at Sixways ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.

Samoa wing Melani Nanai will also swap life in New Zealand for England to play for Warriors in the Gallagher Premiership.

The quartet have all played in the Mitre10 Cup with Moulds and Kitto combining at Northland and Nanai previously teaming up with lock Fatialofa at Auckland.

Moulds and Nanai are also currently team-mates at Super Rugby outfit Blues.

“I think a New Zealand influence is always positive,” Solomons said.

“They are the best team in the world as things stand and my experience with New Zealand players has been extremely positive.

“That’s not to say my experience with players from Australia, South Africa or elsewhere hasn’t been positive.

“But the New Zealand boys understand the game and what’s required to achieve at the top level.”

Moulds is the latest New Zealander to agree to make the move to Warriors after signing an undisclosed deal.

The 27-year-old made his Super Rugby debut in 2015 and has been a key member of the Blues squad since 2016.

“He is a very experienced player,” Solomons said.

“I think he spent five seasons in the Blues squad and has been captain of Northland.

“I have spoken to some very close friends in New Zealand who are rugby people and they say he is an absolutely outstanding bloke and comes from an outstanding family.

“They say he is very good in the set-piece, is mobile and like most New Zealanders is absolutely well-versed in rugby so I think it will be a valuable acquisition for us.

“His whole background is in New Zealand having come through the Canterbury academy.

“Canterbury is the top province in world rugby.

“Having been involved in a New Zealand sevens set-up too and with Auckland Blues for five years that’s massive.”