HOOKER Kurt Haupt is set to be given a platform to “show his worth” when Worcester Warriors tackle Oyonnax at Sixways on Saturday (3pm).

Head coach Carl Hogg confirmed the South African had been registered to play in the European Challenge Cup and said he was keen to see him in action.

Since joining Warriors on a short-term deal in early November, Haupt has played just 36 minutes for the club.

The 28-year-old was forced off with a head injury in Worcester’s Anglo-Welsh Cup tie at Harlequins before coming on for the dying seconds of their 31-27 win at Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership.

But he now looks poised to make his first appearance at home as Hogg looks to reshuffle his side for the visit of Oyonnax.

“Kurt has been registered so he is somebody who is potentially going to be involved at the weekend,” Hogg said.

“Unfortunately he got a head injury against Quins but for that first 20 minutes he looked very effective.

“He is good in the set-piece and I am sure he can bring a lot to the party.

“Saturday is potentially an opportunity for him to come on and show us what he is worth.”

Asked when Haupt’s deal runs out, Hogg added: “That’s something between ourselves and Kurt.”

Haupt faces competition from Joe Taufete’e and Matti Williams for the number two shirt as Jack Singleton is expected to be among a number of first-team regulars to be rested following their efforts in the league.

Hogg said he and director of rugby Gary Gold were keen to run the rule over the rest of their squad after making few changes to the side in recent weeks.

Wingers Perry Humphreys and Tom Howe are due to return while fly-half Jamie Shillcock and flanker Matt Cox could make their comebacks from injury.

Back rower Andrew Durutalo has also been registered.

“The Premiership is an attritional competition so when you play three games on the spin it does take its toll,” Hogg said.

“We need to manage the squad while creating opportunities for others who have been working exceedingly hard behind the scenes.

“Our sessions have been much more accurate, intense and physical and that’s not just based on those guys who are not starting.

“It’s always a balance of selection between continuity and sharing the workload over 22 Premiership games and six European games.

“It’s a balancing act and hopefully we will get some selection headaches for the next few weeks.

“We will have one or two players in there who have been on the bench in the Premiership and one or two who are looking for opportunities.

“It will be a changed group from the last three weeks but it will be a group we think can perform and put pressure on that Premiership team.

“We want to provide opportunities for players and this is an ideal weekend for them.”