The Crusaders have snapped up Bryn Gatland as first five cover.

The Crusaders have called on the son of British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland for temporary cover at first five-eighth.

North Harbour's Bryn Gatland has joined the side for at least the next two weeks as they fill the absence of first choice pivot Richie Mo'unga - out for the next six weeks with a broken hand.

Gatland, 21, slotted a last gasp drop goal to lead North Harbour to a 17-14 victory over Otago in last year's second tier championship final in Dunedin, gaining them promotion to the premiership.

The Crusaders have Mitchell Hunt, who started in Saturday's 30-27 comeback win over the Highlanders, and Marty McKenzie at first five, but were desperate to add to their depth in case of another injury.

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Tim Bateman, who rejoined the Crusaders this season, is another option at first five, but is also out after injuring his back at the Brisbane Global Tens.

Gatland moved from Waikato to North Harbour for more playing opportunities last season and impressed for the Steve Jackson-coached side.

He was a key member of the Hamilton Boys' High First XV, helping them to the 2013 national schoolboys title with another last minute drop goal against Auckland's St Kentigern College.

Gatland is unlikely to still be with the Crusaders when his father's Lions side tour New Zealand in June. The Lions play the Crusaders in Christchurch on June 10.

The unbeaten Crusaders travel to Brisbane this weekend to play the Reds on Saturday night [9.45pm NZ time].