Oxford Harlequins have pulled off a significant coup by signing Oxford University captain Nick Haydon.

The Australian scrum half is due to complete the paperwork on Tuesday, and should make his debut at home to Weston-super-Mare in National 3 South West on Saturday.

Haydon, 26, who has played for ACT Brumbies and Australia at under 18, 21 and university level, will also be assisting with coaching at Quins.

The Dark Blues skipper said: “I will be playing with them as an amateur.

“I am excited to play some Saturday club rugby.”

The move came about after Haydon was coaching at Magdalen College School, where Quins full back Huw Jones teaches.

Quins director of rugby John Brodley heard of Haydon’s interest and acted quickly.

Brodley said: “For us, it is just fantastic.

“Essentially he wants to play some club rugby, but because of his student visa, the RFU won’t let him play above our level.

“Although he has had offers from other clubs, including London Wasps, nobody could sort the visa situation.”

Haydon was one of Oxford’s star players in December’s Varsity Match, scoring one try and having another disallowed in the 31-27 defeat.

Brodley added: “We are truly thrilled about signing such a prodigious talent as Nick.

“He will add drive and leadership to our forwards and his speed of thought and pass will release our backs to good effect.

“Nick will join our coaching team and we will all ensure we make the most of his time at the club.

“The young half backs in the Leadbitter Academy are excited at the thought of attending one of Nick’s coaching clinics.”

Meanwhile, the Dark Blues take on the Royal Navy at Burnaby Road, Portsmouth on Tuesday night (7.30).

Flanker Matt Powell makes his first start at openside, while Alex Rowe gets the nod at blindside.

Oxford University: Hudson, Browne*, Cheesman*, James*, Beer, Marr, Haydon* (capt), MacDonald, Oliver, Johnson*#, Outen*, Guinness, Rowe, Powell, Rickner. Reps: Rogers*, Kane, Davies*, Morgan, Yousef, Jones, Russell. * Denotes Blue. # Denotes international.