An explosive loose forward, Harding played 45 matches for Otago between 1999 and 2004, and 36 for the Highlanders between 2002 and 2004, while also being capped during the one off Test against Fiji at Wellington in 2002. He returned to Christchurch via the draft, where he offered wonderful impact for the Crusaders off the bench due to his ability to function as both a No 8 and an openside flanker. That versatility was also recognised by English club Northampton Saints, who snapped up his services at the end of the 2005 campaign. Harding’s younger brother Tom, who also enjoyed representative exposure with Otago, North Harbour and the Blues, as well as representing New Zealand at age group level, is now in the United Kingdom too after signing on for English club Worcester. The Harding boys were both raised originally at Methven in the shadow of the Mt Hutt ski field.