Evans gives up an All Black future for Quins' gold

Despite an eleventh-hour attempt by head coach Graham Henry to talk him out of it and the likelihood of Dan Carter's departure guaranteeing him a Test place as the goal-kicking fly half, Evans has confirmed his arrival at The Stoop in the autumn.

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Money talks: the loss of Nick Evans (left) is a blow to New Zealand

The transfer makes him the first New Zealander prepared to sacrifice his place at the next World Cup. All Blacks heading overseas automatically forego their Test status.

Unlike other English-based members of the last World Cup squad, whose contracts give them the option of returning in 2010 to renew their international careers, Evans — in the prime of his rugby life at 27 — will remain under contract to Quins until within a few months of the World Cup kicking off in September 2011.

Newcastle prop Carl Hayman, Sale centre Luke McAlister and Saracens lock Chris Jack all plan to have made their money in ample time for Test reinstatement.

'I don't think I'll be going back for the 2011 World Cup,' said Evans. 'You never say never but my full commitment will be with Harlequins for three years. I think I would have been a fool not to take this opportunity.'

Henry's intervention and the uncertainty over Carter's future did not dissuade Evans from completing the Quins deal.

'I took on board what Graham was saying but, in the end, it was my decision based on what was going to be best for me,' he said. 'I don't know what Dan is going to be doing. That never really came into my mind. The money is part of it but the decision was more about a change of lifestyle.'

Carter's monopoly of the fly-half position has restricted the multi-dimensional Evans to 16 Tests, the first as a substitute wing for Joe Rokocoko against England in Dunedin four years ago, followed by a full debut at full-back against the same opposition in Auckland seven days.

'I'd have loved to have played more in the All Black jersey,' said Evans. 'I sat down and talked to my family and they are all really proud of what I've done.'

For the All Blacks, his imminent exit is another demoralising blow. 'Nick is an incredibly talented player and we were definitely keen to keep him,' said Neil Sorensen, the NZRFU's general manager.

'While we are disappointed to lose a player and person of his calibre, we respect his decision, acknowledge his contribution to New Zealand rugby and wish him well.'

Saracens are in negotiations with Carter, hoping to lure him away from the £750,000-a-year offered by Toulouse and Toulon. Northampton, not content with one All Black fly-half on their books in Carlos Spencer, are also bidding for Carter.

'It's an important decision and important that I explore all the options,' said Carter on Monday. 'The World Cup is three years away and there's a lot of rugby and a lot of life to be had before then.'

After several weeks' treatment on a damaged ankle, the Crusader hopes to be back in Super 14 action this weekend, just four weeks before New Zealand's opening Test of the season against Ireland in Wellington on June 7, followed by two more on successive Saturdays against England.

As if to show that money does not always talk, however, Springbok lock Victor Matfield has explained why he has turned down £1m from Northampton in favour of rejoining his native Blue Bulls within the next few weeks at the end of a six-month £300,000 stint with Toulon.

'My decision should not be a shock to anyone because those who know me will know my heart has always been at the Bulls,' he said.

'The money at other clubs was always more than the Bulls offered me but my heart is still in South Africa.'

Saracens will break new ground this week by relocating their Premiership match against Bristol from Vicarage Road to Milton Keynes.

They have no choice in the matter because their ground hire agreement with Watford prevents rugby from being played there within 24 hours of a football match and the first leg of Watford's Championship play-off semi-final against Hull City takes place on Sunday.