Taione seals switch to Harlequins

Taione was banned for 18 weeks in 2006 for biting

Harlequins have completed the signing of Tongan international Epi Taione from Super 14 side Natal Sharks.

The 29-year-old, who has played for Newcastle and Sale, can play centre or wing and has also featured at number eight and on the blind-side flank.

"Epi is an extremely versatile player, he is extremely strong and powerful and his ability will serve us well." said Harlequins boss Dean Richards.

"I am looking forward to welcoming him into the squad in July."

Taione played for Newcastle before leaving Kingston Park to sign for Sale in 2005.

But he only made one Premiership start for the Sharks, in the back-row against Leicester, before leaving the club in February 2006 after being banned for 18-weeks for biting Munster's Denis Leamy in a Heineken Cup tie.

Since then he has been playing for the Sanyo Wild Knights in Japan and was part of Tonga's World Cup campaign, changing his name by deed poll to Paddy Power for the tournament in a sponsorship deal with the Irish bookmaker.

He moved to Natal for the 2008 Super 14 campaign but will join up with the Quins this summer.