The 24-year-old has also played for the Highlanders and NPC team Otago. He will play for Canterbury in this season’s NPC tournament.

Harding is the great-nephew of former Wales and British Lions captain Rowe Harding, who toured South Africa with the British Isles in 1924.

Harding, who was born in Perth, Australia, comes from a rugby family with his father and two uncles all playing for Western Australia. Harding won his single All Black cap against Fiji in 2002, aged just 21. 

Harding, who has also played for the Barbarians, will arrive at Franklin’s Gardens in November following the completion of the NPC.

Head coach Budge Pountney said: “Sam is a very talented back-rower who can play in all three positions in the back row. We are delighted he has made the decision to join us and will add more strength and depth to our squad. We look forward to working with him.”