All Blacks fly-half Nick Evans has confirmed he will join Harlequins on a three-year contract next season.

The 28-year-old, who has played 16 Tests, will head for England at the end of the New Zealand domestic season.

New Zealand Rugby Union officials spent three months trying to persuade Evans to stay and he has a clause in his deal which would allow him to leave early.

The move could cost him his international career as the All Blacks tend to only pick home-based players.

But Evans still hopes to play for the All Blacks in the summer Tests against Ireland and England and the following Tri-Nations series.

He said: “If I am not picked because I am not playing well or I don’t fit into the scheme of things for the All Blacks then so be it.

“If I am picked I will be happy, if I am not I will be disappointed but it will not be through a lack of trying.”

The versatile Evans has played Super 14 rugby for both the Otago Highlanders and the Auckland Blues, and can also play at full-back and centre as well as fly-half.

He said the NZRU had come “pretty close” to matching the offer put to him by Harlequins, but his decision to move to London was more to do with a “lifestyle choice”.

“If I looked back, I think I would be a fool if I didn’t take this opportunity,” he added.

His signing is a major coup for Quins, who currently lie fourth in the Guinness Premiership table as they target a play-off place.

Director of rugby Dean Richards said: “I am delighted that Nick has decided to join Harlequins.

“He is a highly skilled and versatile player with a wealth of experience of playing top level rugby.

“Nick will be a valuable asset to our side and I looking forward to working with him next season”.

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