London - Australian scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker signed a three month contract with two-time European champions Saracens on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old, born in London but brought up in Australia, will give Saracens back-up at scrumhalf with Richard Wigglesorth injured.

Stirzaker, erstwhile skipper of Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels, is much needed as Saracens - who have righted the ship somewhat with two successive wins after a seven-match losing streak - face a busy period.

They face Wasps in the Premiership this weekend and then with their hold over the European Champions Cup trophy in the balance play Welsh region Ospreys and finally struggling English giants Northampton Saints.

"Nick is an experienced player. He's got 60 Super Rugby caps, which is a lot for a young man," Saracens rugby director Mark McCall told the club's website.

"He is a very exciting scrumhalf with great passing ability and great running ability, and with Henry Taylor out for the rest of the season and with Richard Wigglesworth's recent injury we fell a little bit vulnerable in that area.

"So it is great to be able to bring Nick's quality across."