CHRIS Latham has revealed that the injuries he sustained playing for Queensland Reds in last Friday's Super 14 opener against Otago Highlanders were nothing more serious than a grotesquely swollen lip and a sore head.

But he admitted there were fears he might have suffered more lasting damage.

The Warriors new signing and 78-Test Wallabies veteran, who will join Worcester in October, lay motionless after being tackled by Highlanders' number eight Steven Setephano.

But Latham lived up to his billing as one of Australian rugby's toughest players by recovering almost instantly and refusing medical treatment, other than a dab of lip salve.

Latham has since received stitches both inside and outside his lacerated mouth but is a certain starter for the Reds' Super 14 round two match against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday.

"I was more stunned than anything and I'll get over a sore head," said Latham. "When I knew everything was all right I jumped up and into the defensive line as quick as I could."