Andrew Mehrtens has scored 1044 points for Canterbury

The 32-year-old, who has 72 caps for the All Blacks, will arrive after New Zealand's Test series with the Lions.

The signing is a major boost for Quins, who were relegated from English rugby's top flight last season.

"It is more about a life thing than anything else," said Mehrtens. "It is just the right time in my life to go and do something different."

His contribution to New Zealand rugby was praised by current All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

"Over the last decade, Andrew has been one of our foremost All Blacks and a great character.

"Andrew has been a world-class player and was probably the best number 10 in the world in the late 1990s."

It's very rare for a player to have such a significant impact on the game for such a long period Crusaders coach Robbie Deans

Mehrtens made his Canterbury debut in 1993 and two years later he earned his first New Zealand cap against Canada.

He has gone on to score 967 Test points, the most by an All Black.

Mehrtens was an ever-present in the side until he was controversially dropped in 2003 by former coach John Mitchell.

He missed the 2003 World Cup but was brought back into the international fold last year.

Mehrtens last played for his country against South Africa in August 2004, and although he was left out of Henry's squad for the Lions Test series, he will be available for selection until the tour ends.

He will probably make his final home appearance for Canterbury in Wednesday's Ranfurly Shield game with Marlborough.

"It's very rare for a player to have such a significant impact on the game for such a long period of time," said Crusaders coach Robbie Deans. "His longevity must be praised."

Meanwhile Quins have confirmed that Dragons hooker James Richards, Leinster prop Ricky Nebbett, Saracens prop Aston Croall and Bedford scrum-half Ian Vass have also joined on two-year deals.