Harlequins sign Connacht No.8 Naoupu

Commenting on the news, Harlequins Director of Rugby John Kingston said: "George is a highly experienced physical ball-carrying back row forward. He has the ability to break the first tackle and is an excellent offloader and will provide further power to our pack.

"I have already been impressed by the hunger he has shown to make a big impact in the Premiership for Harlequins."

The New Zealand-born back row developed his rugby initially through the Canterbury system. After transferring to Hawkes Bay, he was later selected for the Highlanders, making 11 appearances in two seasons of Super Rugby.

Having joined Connacht in 2009, he left at the end of his first season to play for Japanese side Kobelco Steelers. Returning to Connacht in 2011, he made his European debut at The Stoop in November 2011 and was part of the Connacht side which beat Harlequins at the Sportsground in the reverse fixture. He leaves Connacht as a supporter favourite at the Sportsground having made 102 appearances, scoring nine tries.

The former New Zealand Sevens and Under-21 is a destructive runner from the base of a scrum and is equally capable of playing in the second row.

Naoupu added: "I am very excited to be joining Harlequins in its 150th anniversary year. It is a club I know well having played against them in Europe a number of times and I like the fact that they play a really attractive style of rugby. 

"I am also looking forward to playing in the Premiership which is an extremely strong competition."