Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea says new signing Nick Kennedy has unfinished business in England.

The lock forward will join up with his new team-mates at Surrey Sports Park on July 22 after completing his move from Toulon.

Kennedy, who finished last season as a member of Toulon’s Heineken Cup-winning team, is regarded as one of the finest second rows in Europe.

The Southampton born player’s first break in professional rugby came when he wrote to Conor O’Shea, the then London Irish director of rugby, looking for a trial.

He joined the club and made his senior debut for the Exiles in November 2002, before recording 219 appearances, and joining Toulon in 2012.

Kennedy said: “I’ve had a memorable year in the south of France and winning the Heineken Cup with Toulon will rank among the highlights of my career.

"The opportunity to return to England and join Harlequins has come at the right time for me.

"I’m looking forward to the challenge and to being part of an exciting squad of talented players.”

Conor O’Shea said: “We are delighted that Nick has decided to join Harlequins. In doing so he has sacrificed a valuable contract at Toulon to return to England where he feels he has unfinished business.

"His ambition is pretty clear in that he wants to win the Aviva Premiership and force his way back into the England squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

“I’ve known him since he came to professional rugby and I know that in Nick we have a player and a person who will fit into what this club is all about.

“Not only is he acknowledged by his peers as one of the leading lineout specialists in the country, he is physically strong, mobile and skilful and his game has benefitted greatly from his stint in Toulon.

“The retirement of Olly Kohn came as a surprise and we felt, despite the young talent we have in Charlie Matthews, George Merrick and Sam Twomey, we needed to replace Olly’s experience within the squad given the level of competition we face week in, week out."

He added: "There will be real competition now among our second rows with Nick’s signing and the young guys really pushing for selection. Charlie, George (Robson) and Nick may have a headstart on Sam and George but they will push each other and make us better.”