Following the South African's decision to return home for personal reasons, Quins have moved quickly to bring in a replacement - signing Cairns on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
The 30-year-old has played more than 200 games for the Vicarage Road side and won one England cap on England's tour to South Africa in 2007.
Head coach John Kingston said he is 'absolutely delighted' to have secured the services of Cairns.
'Matt Cairns is a high-quality and proven hooker,' Kingston said.
'It is great that we have been able to identify and secure such quality so soon after the departure of Gary Botha.
'The competition for the number two shirt will be an interesting one, given that we already have two class acts in the shape of England Saxon Chris Brooker and Samoan international Tani Fuga.'
Cairns said he is looking forward to competing for a place in the Quins team both domestically and in European competition.
'I am really happy to have signed with Quins and look forward to the opportunity to play with a really exciting bunch of young players,' he said.
'Harlequins have a great coaching team and I can't wait to get involved with the club in the Guinness Premiership and compete in the Heineken Cup.'
Harlequins have endured a difficult start to the 2009/10 Guinness Premiership season after a disruptive summer that saw head coach Dean Richards resign over the 'bloodgate' scandal.
Saracens, on the other hand, have won all five of their opening games and currently sit top of the domestic standings.
The 30-year-old has played more than 200 games for the Vicarage Road side and won one England cap on England's tour to South Africa in 2007.
Head coach John Kingston said he is 'absolutely delighted' to have secured the services of Cairns.
'Matt Cairns is a high-quality and proven hooker,' Kingston said.
'It is great that we have been able to identify and secure such quality so soon after the departure of Gary Botha.
'The competition for the number two shirt will be an interesting one, given that we already have two class acts in the shape of England Saxon Chris Brooker and Samoan international Tani Fuga.'
Cairns said he is looking forward to competing for a place in the Quins team both domestically and in European competition.
'I am really happy to have signed with Quins and look forward to the opportunity to play with a really exciting bunch of young players,' he said.
'Harlequins have a great coaching team and I can't wait to get involved with the club in the Guinness Premiership and compete in the Heineken Cup.'
Harlequins have endured a difficult start to the 2009/10 Guinness Premiership season after a disruptive summer that saw head coach Dean Richards resign over the 'bloodgate' scandal.
Saracens, on the other hand, have won all five of their opening games and currently sit top of the domestic standings.
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