The 22-year-old, the son of former New Zealand and Wigan Warriors rugby league star Frano, has spent the past season in France after missing out on the Blues Super Rugby squad.

Botica, who can play at fly-half or in the centres, previously played for North Harbour and North Shore - where he registered a run of 32 successful kicks at goal without a miss - while he was capped at schoolboy level.

And Quins boss Conor O'Shea has been impressed with what he has seen of Botica.

"We rate Ben very highly and are confident that he will have an instant impact at the club," he said.

Excited

"His positional versatility is attractive and the fact that he is a reliable goal kicker is a bonus.

"We are associated with a certain style of attacking rugby and our recruitment of Ben is specifically related to our ability to play that style. We're looking forward to him joining us next season."

Botica, who holds a British passport, is relishing the chance to make his mark.

"I am excited about linking up with Harlequins in July," he said. "Playing in the Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup will be a new challenge and I expect that I will have some adjustments to make to my playing style.

"I've watched Harlequins play over recent seasons and it is a team and style of rugby that I'm looking forward to being part of."