Harlequins RL have signed dual-code international Craig Gower for the start of next season.

The 33-year-old half-back, who is currently playing rugby union for French side Bayonne, has played for Australia in rugby league and Italy in the 15-man game.

Gower has agreed a two-year contract with Quins and will link up with fellow new signing Michael Witt to form a potentially exciting new half-back partnership.

He said: “I'm looking forward to the challenge of Super League and I'm also excited about London's future.”

Gower won the Australian Grand Final with Penrith in 2003 and captained the Kangaroos two years later.

His career Down Under, however, was marred by off-field controversies and he switched codes to join Bayonne in 2008.

He qualified for Italy through a grandfather and won 23 caps for the Azzurri.

He is Quins' third major signing for 2012 following the capture of Crusaders duo Witt and Mark Bryant.

The club are losing Rob Purdham, Luke Gale, Oliver Wilkes and Andy Ellis at the end of the season.

Coach Rob Powell said: “Craig is a world-class player and his signing shows the intention of the club to move forward in the next licence period.

“Having played for New South Wales and Australia and won Grand Finals he will add a new dimension to what we are able to achieve.”