Cronje made his international debut in the 2003 Tri-Nations

Quins announced on Monday that Cronje was bound for the Stoop, but Bulls boss Stephen Pretorius denied the report.

Further negotiations have apparently resolved the issue, however, and the Springbok will soon head to England.

"We are pleased to confirm that Cronje has been released and will be with us next week," said a Quins statement.

It continued: "Cronje is looking forward to coming to London and playing for Quins.

As far as I'm concerned Geo is a very good player - simple as that Mark Evans Quins chief executive

"He has enjoyed his time with the Blue Bulls and will remain in South Africa this week to support them in the Currie Cup Final against the Freestate Cheetahs."

Cronje was at the centre of a row earlier this year after being accused of racism, but was cleared after a South African RFU disciplinary investigation.

And Quins chief executive Mark Evans made no apologies for recruiting the South African, who looks set to make his debut against Wasps on 5 November.

"I realise that it could be viewed as a controversial signing, but that is not how I see his arrival," he said.