NEW signing Matt Moulds is likely to miss the start of the Gallagher Premiership season after undergoing knee surgery.

The hooker joined Warriors from Super Rugby club Blues this summer, but has been hit by an injury that could rule him out for up to six weeks.

New Zealand-born Moulds, 28, sustained the blow to his knee during Warriors’ camp late last month and underwent a small surgical procedure in a bid to fix the issue.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons said: “He took a real bang directly to the knee when we were at camp.

“He had the odd floating body in it so (the surgeons) have just cleaned it up.

“It required a bit of keyhole surgery and the specialist was happy.

“Matt is happy and is here at the club today receiving treatment.

“He is on crutches at the moment, but those sorts of things take four to six weeks.”

The injury means Moulds will miss Warriors’ four Premiership Cup games and could also be side-lined for the start of the league campaign which kicks off against Leicester Tigers at Sixways on October 19.

“It is a shame for Matt as he is so keen and has slotted in so well but it’s better to happen now,” Solomons continued.

Warriors are also without hooker Joe Taufete’e who will represent USA Eagles in the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

But Solomons insisted there was still enough competition for the number two jersey at the club.

“Joe is away but we have still got Isaac Miller, young Beck Cutting and Niall Annett,” Solomons added.

“Both Isaac and Beck are really good players.

“They have got some ability, so I am absolutely confident in them.

“It’ll be fantastic to see them play.”