Harlequins this week laid down a real statement of intent by completing the signing of Wales centre Jamie Roberts, writes John Payne.

Signing rugby union’s most famous doctor - adding to the arrival of former Wales prop Adam Jones, Australia skipper James Horwill and Scotland wing Tim Visser – also marks a change in philosophy at The Stoop.

The club’s proud history of bringing through their own academy players is something to be proud of, no club has brought through more young talent in recent years, but it cannot be denied Quins have gone backwards since winning the Premiership in 2012.

Finishes of third and fourth in the subsequent two years should be celebrated rather than criticised – particularly in an era when top-flight rugby has become so competitive.

But no-one can claim this season has been anything other than a disappointment as apart from a four-match winning run in December and January, Quins have managed back-to-back league wins just once.

A crippling injury list and various availability issues, not least Mike Brown’s ongoing concussion issues, have undone director of rugby Conor O’Shea’s best-laid plans but this injection of quality was necessary to instill a belief Quins can repeat their successes of three years ago.

Some may bemoan the fact when a big name arrives young players in the same position like Joe Marchant and Harry Sloan, will find it harder to break into the team.

However, Roberts won’t arrive at The Stoop until after the World Cup and, even then, has had it written into his contract that he will be available to play for Wales, so you can be sure the next chance will never be too far away.

The presence of 34-year-old Jones could limit the opportunities for Kyle Sinckler and Will Collier, but if he can pass on just some of the experience of his 95 Welsh caps they will also feel the benefit.

It is not as though Quins have just brought in a swathe of new players to make up the numbers, they have signed real quality to provide hope after a season to forget.