WORCESTER Warriors’ recruit Bryce Heem has been selected to play for Auckland in the ITM Cup in New Zealand.

The 26-year-old versatile back has been named in Auckland’s 31-man squad for the competition, the highest level of New Zealand domestic rugby union.

Heem looks set to miss all of Warriors’ pre-season programme and could also be unavailable for their opening couple of matches in the Aviva Premiership.

A Sixways spokesman said he could not confirm whether Heem, who can play at wing or full-back, would be available for Warriors’ opening match of the 2015-16 campaign.

Auckland begin their programme against Southland on August 13 and, assuming they reach the knockout stages, Heem will be in line to miss the start of Warriors’ season.

The semi-finals of the cup are scheduled for October 16 and 17 with the finals due to take place on October 24.

Warriors kick off their return to the top tier of English rugby with a home clash against Northampton Saints at Sixways on Friday, October 16.

Dean Ryan’s men travel to Sale Sharks eight days later for their second fixture in the Premiership.

Heem, who agreed terms with Worcester earlier this year, has been in impressive form for Super 15 outfit Waikato Chiefs.

He has been a team-mate of London Irish’s Matt Symons, the brother of Warriors’ centre Andy Symons.