SCRUM-half Jono Kitto has returned to Leicester Tigers after ending his short loan spell with Worcester Warriors.

The New Zealander was drafted in by director of rugby Gary Gold last month after several of his number nines suffered injuries.

During his time at Sixways, Kitto came off the bench in Warriors’ 24-19 loss at Gloucester and played the final 24 minutes of their 25-3 defeat to Saracens last Friday.

But with Jonny Arr, Michael Dowsett and Peter Stringer contesting for a place, the 25-year-old’s services were no longer needed.

Luke Baldwin (bicep) and Francois Hougaard (adductor) remain on the treatment table.

“Jono was on loan from Leicester and has gone back now,” Gold said.

“Francois has come back from South Africa. He’s got a little problem with his groin, but hopefully that won’t (take) more than a week or so (to heal) and will be back soon.

“Stringer, Jonny and Michael are all good.”

Despite making just two appearances, Arr was impressed with Kitto’s impact at the Aviva Premiership strugglers.

“Jono is a good player and a nice lad,” Arr said.

“He came in and really helped us out when we were a bit low on numbers at scrum-half with Francois and myself being out.

“He was a really positive individual and unfortunately he has come gone back.”

Worcester-born Arr is also looking forward to seeing Hougaard pull on a Warriors jersey again after returning from South Africa.

Hougaard has been key to the Sixways side’s efforts in avoiding relegation over the last two seasons and Arr said he provided his teammates with extra “motivation”.

“Francois has done incredibly well during his time here and that’s been hugely beneficial for other nines, like myself,” Arr added.

“Unless we improve our game then we are going to be either sat on the bench or not in the squad at all.

“He has constantly given us motivation and drive to improve ourselves as players, so having him here is a good thing.”