Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts to join Premiership rivals Bath

By Adam Ellis
Jamie Roberts three-year stint with Harlequins will come to an end at the conclusion of this season, as he looks set to make the move to the West Country by signing for Bath.
It was rumoured Cardiff Blues and a team from Japan had made advances for the Wales international’s signature but Roberts has eased Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder’s need for a centre.
After Ben Tapuai’s deal to make the switch to Harlequins was confirmed last week, Roberts will become the latest addition to Bath’s contingent of Welsh stars that includes Taulupe Faletau, Luke Charteris, Rhys Priestland and Aled Brew.
Blackadder told the club’s official website: “Jamie needs no introduction. He is a player with vast experience, with two Lions tours and close to 100 caps for his country under his belt.
“We are delighted to bring someone of his quality to the club and I know he will make an instant impact when he comes in this summer.
“He’s hugely respected both on and off the field, and it’s those qualities which makes this a really significant signing for the club.
“He’s hugely ambitious and I believe that both Bath and Wales will reap the rewards from this move.”
With 94 caps to his name, the centre’s international career remains alive despite falling into the fringes of Warren Gatland’s plans as his tally of appearances makes the WRU’s selection criteria for non-Wales based players not applicable.
Roberts, 31, has played 50 times for Harlequins since joining them from Racing Metro in 2015, scoring nine tries.