Wales centre Roberts leaves Racing-Metro for Harlequins

Wales and British and Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts has agreed to join Harlequins next season after two years with Racing-Metro, the English Premiership club announced on Monday.

Roberts, 28, will sign for Harlequins at the end of the season, but will not be able to join up with the club until the end of Wales's campaign at this year's World Cup in England.

"The whole club is ecstatic to have signed a player of Jamie's quality," said Harlequins rugby director Conor O'Shea in a press release, without revealing the length of Roberts's contract.

"He is massively ambitious to achieve at both club and international level. As a role model to all of our players, he will be someone we can all learn from.

"We know we won't see Jamie in the Harlequins jersey for a while yet, but when we do I know he will be a massive contributor to the history of this club, the development of our team and the development of young players."

Roberts, capped 69 times by Wales, is already a qualified doctor and will study for a Masters degree in Medical Science (surgery) at Cambridge University during his time at Quins.

"I'm delighted to have signed for Harlequins," said Roberts, who spent six years with Cardiff Blues before signing for Racing in 2013.

"Having played in Cardiff and in Paris, moving to London is a chance for me to experience and further develop my career in a different league.

"My desire to compete and win at both club and international level remains as strong as ever and the brand of rugby Harlequins play will challenge my skill-set and no doubt help me improve as a rugby player."

Roberts follows former Wales team-mate Adam Jones in moving to Quins for next season, as well as Australia lock James Horwill, Samoa centre Winston Stanley and Scotland wing Tim Visser.

Premiership champions in 2012, Harlequins have endured a disappointing 2014-15 season, finishing eighth in the table and missing out on a European Champions Cup place.
Source: AFP