Rinaldi has been forced to play out of position this season

The 27-year-old has been forced to play much of this season at hooker for the Dragons because of the presence of New Zealand star Stacey Jones.

Rinaldi has signed a two-year deal and is expected to replace Thomas Leuluai, who is thought to be heading to Wigan.

"He is a player of international standard and he would be a great asset to any club," said Harlequins coach Brian McDermott of Rinaldi.

"He will bring an added threat to our offence which will enhance our overall game.

"On top of that he has proven leadership qualities and that will be ideal for our club."

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Dragons boss Mick Potter is sorry to see Rinaldi go.

"It's unfortunate but his Australian girlfriend has a sister in London and it was a joint decision," said Potter.

"He's also keen to give it a go at laying down a scrum-half role."

Rinaldi, who had a brief spell in Super League with Wakefield four years ago, will play his last match for Catalans Dragons at Leeds on Friday night.

He is expected to wear the number seven for France in the end-of-season Federation Cup matches against England, Samoa and Tonga.

Catalans have Lionel Teixido and David Berthezene to fill the hooking role next season but will now have to groom a successor to Jones, whose contract is up at the end of 2007.

"We've a couple of young French kids and the local competition starts again soon so we can have a look there," said Potter.

Australian forwards Chris Beattie and Ian Hindmarsh will also play their last games for the Dragons at Headingley.

Former Castleford stand-off Sean Rudder is also returning home but is not included in the squad.

Catalans have recruited overseas players Adam Mogg, Jason Croker, Casey McGuire and Clint Greenshields for 2007, along with Frenchmen Sebastien Raguin and David Ferriol.