Who is on the podium for the best overseas signing in the Premiership?

It was only when writing up an interview with Harlequins’ Nick Evans last week that it came to mind the former All Black fly-half would be right up there in terms of contenders.

It was something of a surprise to discover that Evans has been here since 2008. Nine years. That’s as long a spell as he spent in professional rugby in New Zealand.

Evans has been hugely influential at Harlequins, the lynchpin of their new-era side following the self-inflicted misery of Bloodgate. The 36 year-old has done far more than score points, he has also helped nurture those around him, from Danny Care as his half-back partner to once-emerging talents such as Chris Robshaw and Mike Brown, silencing those who have complained down the years that the influx of overseas stars has damaged the English game.