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Jamie Roberts will not be returning to Welsh rugby, with the Lions star having agreed a deal to join Harlequins next season.

The 28-year-old centre, who will be released early from his Racing Metro contract at the end of this season, has been linked with potential moves to both his old team Cardiff Blues and the Ospreys in recent months, but has opted for a crack at the Aviva Premiership.

His signing has yet to be confirmed, but WalesOnline understands the deal is done, and Roberts is due to head to The Stoop in December.

That will be after the World Cup and following a short period studying at Oxford or Cambridge University, during which time he intends to play in the Varsity game.

There is also some speculation that there may be an opportunity for qualified doctor Roberts to further his medical experience as part of the deal.

With the player not due to link with Quins until the end of the year his availability to take a full part in Wales’ pre-World Cup training schedule will be unaffected.

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Whether he has found any contractual way around the strict Premier Rugby rules which limit non-English players’ involvement in international matches and preparation remains to be seen.

One option could be a specific deal which gets around the regulation, possibly even some kind of freelance arrangement.

Roberts’ decision to opt for London will come as a blow to the Blues, who had hoped to lure him back for a second spell at the Arms Park and are in need of a boost after a traumatic season.

Chief executive Richard Holland has confirmed the region has made Roberts an offer but admitted last week that the proposed deal had ‘gone quiet’.

The Ospreys were also believed to be interested in him and a national dual contract would have been on the table had Roberts decided to come home.

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But having spent two years in Paris, during which he has experienced highs and lows with the cash-rich Top 14 outfit, the double Grand Slam winner is keen to call it a day in French rugby.

“I like to change the environment, meet different people, travel. I tick boxes in life as well as my career,” Roberts was quoted as saying earlier this month.

“That is something that will play a factor in the decision that I will take my future. I’ll have some tough choices to make.

“I have taken to Paris, I love the French culture and lifestyle but I think I am getting to a point where I want to study, to stimulate my mind.

“I have always had that rugby-study balance to my life. It could be interesting to resume studying.”

Roberts will link up with former Wales team mate Adam Jones at the London club, the tighthead prop having confirmed he is switching there from the Blues some weeks ago.

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