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

The 28-year-old, who has played 16 Tests for the Kiwis, will jet into England at the conclusion of the New Zealand domestic campaign. New Zealand Rugby Union chiefs have spent the past three months attempting to keep Evans and the move could cost him his international career as the All Blacks tend to pick only home-based players.

Evans, who still hopes to play against England and Ireland in the summer Tests and in the Tri-Nations, said: “If I’m not picked because I’m not playing well or don’t fit into the scheme of things for the All Blacks, then so be it.

“If I’m picked I will be happy, if I’m not I will be disappointed but it won’t be through lack of trying.”

The versatile Evans has played Super 14 rugby for the Otago Highlanders and the Auckland Blues. He can also play full-back and centre.

Evans 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 of a “lifestyle choice.”

The signing is a major coup for Quins and 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’m looking forward to working with him next season.”