British and Irish Lions

The 28-year-old will join up with the Guinness Premiership club after the Currie Cup in South Africa in October.

Barry, who has 39 Springboks caps, said: "I am looking forward to the challenge of joining Harlequins and look forward to the new chapter in my rugby career.

"I am sure I will be very happy at Harlequins and intend on making the most of this opportunity."

Barry joined The Stormers in 1998 and has built a reputation as a hard-running centre with a solid defence.

Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have secured the services of such a quality player.

"He's a formidable defender and a fantastic runner so I expect him to fit into the Guinness Premiership with ease.

"This latest signing further highlights the fact that we are building a squad that has good competition for places and strength in depth."

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.

British & Irish Lions hookers Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs will fight out their own private duel in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday and then become team mates for the next six weeks a day later.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.