Force bolster backline

Hill: Short-term deal

Western Force have moved to bolster their fly-half options by signing former All Black David Hill.

The Perth franchise suffered a blow in the run up to the new Super 14 season when marquee signing Andre Pretorius was ruled out for the entire campaign with a hamstring injury.

And with fellow No.10 Mark Bathlomeusz also sidelined with a neck injury, coach John Mitchell has recruited fellow countryman Hill for the rest of the season.

The 31-year-old, who made his only Test appearance for New Zealand off the bench against Ireland in 2006, will team up with the club from Japanese club Toshiba.

Hill previously played for the Chiefs, while he also had a spell in the Guinness Premiership with Bristol.

Experienced former Australia international Scott Staniforth has also agreed a short-term deal with the side after the collapse of his Japanese club Yokogawa.

Staniforth, who made 100 Super Rugby appearances during spells at the Waratahs and Force and also played for London Irish, will provide cover to the backline with centre Ryan Cross and winger Cameron Shepherd among those players currently injured.