Evans key to Harlequins future

Best in Europe: Nick Evans

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• Harlequins

The news that star fly-half Nick Evans had re-signed for three more years was greeted by relief from everyone at Harlequins.

Regarded by many as the finest fly-half in Europe, Evans initial contract was due to expire at the end of the English season, with several lucrative offers from Japan and France on the table.

But Evans has decided to continue at The Stoop until the end of 2016, looking to build on last season's first Premiership title for the club with more success. It is a win not just for Harlequins themselves, but the entire league.

"We have started something here and Nick wants to see it through," said Harlequins boss Conor O'Shea.

"His decision to stay is a great early Christmas present for all Harlequins supporters.

"The Aviva Premiership wants the best players playing in it and Nick is one of the very best. He contributes so much to this club both on and off the field, and he is the perfect role model for all young players."

If Harlequins are serious about challenging for the Heineken Cup - a connection that still recalls the "Bloodgate" incident of 2009 - then keeping Evans is a clear sign of their ambition. His all-round game is perfectly balanced - offering Quins the wealth of attacking options that have seen them rise to the top in recent seasons.

Although Evans re-signing is good news for the club, they have been offered a glimpse of an alternative future in recent weeks due to the emergence of young New Zealand fly-half Ben Botica.

Botica signed during the off-season from North Harbour and impressed in the Heineken Cup victory over Biarritz and last weekend's controversial win against London Irish.

At just 20 years of age he has significant potential, but now will face a long-term battle with Evans to take the fly-half starting spot.

The re-signing of Evans and Botica's breakthrough also raises questions about the future of Rory Clegg at the club. The England Saxons fly-half has long been regarded as the long-term successor to Evans, but has dropped down the pecking order and struggled off the bench against Exeter Chiefs.

Clegg's availability would be of some interest to plenty of Premiership clubs looking for a fly-half, including Northampton Saints. With playing time now limited behind Evans and Botica, his days at the Stoop may well be numbered.

By Ben Coles