South African tighthead prop Maks van Dyk joined English Premiership Rugby side Harlequins for the remainder of the 2019/20 season.

Van Dyk, who signed from French Top 14 champions Toulouse, is expected to offer cover for Craig Trenier and incoming Springbok Wilco Louw.

Van Dyk has previously played for the Sharks, Griquas and Cheetahs in South Africa while he also had a stint at Irish powerhouse and current PRO14 champions Leinster.

The 28-year-old said he was delighted to join the side, noting that the team had really good coaches and an atmosphere that he liked.

"The guys here know how to switch on, and they know how to switch off off the field and make jokes – but when it's go time, we do it. It will be really great to experience Premiership Rugby and I'm looking forward to competing for Harlequins.”

Quins Head of Rugby Paul Gustard was happy that the team could land a player of van Dyk's pedigree and experience.

"We were in need of another tighthead prop, and as a Top 14 winner with Toulouse and a Junior World Championship winner in his youth, Maks' pedigree and experience speaks for itself.”

(With input from Harlequins Rugby)