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Rugby Union

Harlequins complete signing of All Black star Evans

05/05/2008

Harlequins have signed New Zealand star Nick Evans on a three-year deal.

Evans, who can play at fly-half or full back, will join Quins after completing his Air New Zealand Cup commitments with Auckland Blues.

Neil Sorensen, New Zealand's Rugby Union general manager, said regular talks with Evans had been going on since January in an effort to keep him in the southern hemisphere.

"We were definitely keen to keep him playing here in New Zealand," Sorensen said.

"While we are disappointed to lose a player and person of his calibre, we respect his decision and we wish him well over there."

Evans made his All Blacks debut against England in Dunedin in 2004 and has scored 103 points in 16 Tests.

He also played for the New Zealand Sevens side in 2002 and was a member of the first Junior All Blacks team in 2005.

Evans is the second Blues player heading overseas after team-mate Isa Nacewa confirmed a move to Leinster.

Auckland Blues coach David Nucifora also announced he will be quitting the club at the end of the season to return to his native Australia for family reasons.