WORCESTER Warriors could have to wait until October before “outstanding” Super Rugby ace Melani Nanai arrives at Sixways.

But director of rugby Alan Solomons confirmed fellow New Zealand-based signing Jono Kitto would be able to join up with the Warriors squad for pre-season.

Versatile back Nanai, 25, and scrum-half Kitto, 26, have both signed deals that will keep them at Warriors for “more than one season” according to Solomons.

The duo have played in the Mitre10 Cup that runs between August and October with Kitto representing Northland and Nanai winning the 2018 championship with Auckland alongside Worcester lock Michael Fatialofa.

Kitto is set to miss this year’s competition to begin his Warriors career but Solomons is waiting to find out whether Nanai will turn out for his province this summer.

“Jono definitely won’t be involved in the Mitre10 Cup but we have got to wait to see what happens with Melani so I can’t comment on that at this point,” Solomons said.

“Whatever Melani’s obligations are to the New Zealand Rugby Union he will fulfil those so we have just got to be patient.

“It’s not a problem. Whatever happens he is going to be here.”

Solomons also pointed out that next season’s Gallagher Premiership starts on October 20 with the Premiership Cup beginning on September 21 due to the Rugby World Cup.

“(Fatialofa) did arrive later (due to the Mitre10 Cup) and that sometimes happens but we coped,” Solomons said.

“The young lads who are playing on the wing are all doing really well.

“Dean (Hammond), Tommy Howe and Perry (Humphreys) have played well when they have had their opportunities.”

Solomons said he was looking forward to seeing Samoa-born Nanai play for Warriors after receiving a glowing reference from Fatialofa.

Nanai made his 50th Super Rugby appearance for Auckland-based Blues in last Saturday’s 26-7 defeat at Sharks.

“It is a fantastic signing for us,” Solomons said.

“He is playing at 14 for the Blues at the moment but has played plenty of rugby for them at 15 as well.

“He is really outstanding.

“Michael played with him in the Mitre10 Cup last year and said he played a major role in Auckland winning the cup.

“As well as watching film I spoke to people that I know in New Zealand that know Melani.

“The reports on him were fantastic and watching the footage you can see he is a class footballer.”

Despite his slender figure Solomons is confident Nanai will be “physical enough” to make an impact in the Premiership.

“He has got pace and good evasive skills,” Solomons said.

“To be able to play comfortably at full-back you have got to be a good rugby player.

“He is 6ft 4in so he is quite tall and is more along the lines of a Rieko Ioane as opposed to a physical guy. But he is physical enough.”

Although Solomons was reluctant to give away the length of contracts signed by Kitto and Nanai, the Warriors boss said: “They will be with us for a bit, don’t worry about that!

“They will be here for more than one season."