Wales centre Jamie Roberts will follow his fellow Lion Jonathan Sexton out of Racing Metro after signing a deal with Conor O'Shea's Harlequins in the English Premiership.

Like Sexton, who returns to Leinster this summer, the 28-year-old Wales battering-ram has spent two years in Paris with the Top 14 side and O'Shea has tipped the former Cardiff Blues star to become "a massive contributor to the history of this club".

Roberts will link up with Harlequins after Wales’ World Cup exploits in the autumn and is likely to be available for selection from December.

“The whole club is ecstatic to have signed a player of Jamie’s quality,” said O’Shea. “He is massively ambitious to achieve at both club and international level.

“As a role model to all of our players, he will be someone we can all learn from.

“We know we won’t see Jamie in the Harlequins jersey for a while yet, but when we do I know he will be a massive contributor to the history of this club, the development of our team and the development of young players.”

The 69-cap Wales midfielder, already a qualified doctor after studying at Cardiff University, will read for a Masters degree in Medical Science, surgery, at Cambridge University during his time at Quins.

Aviva Premiership title-winners in 2012, Harlequins have suffered a disappointing campaign, finishing eighth in the league and missing out on European Champions Cup qualification.

Roberts joins former Wales team-mate Adam Jones in moving to Quins for next season, along with Australia lock James Horwill, Scotland wing Tim Visser and Samoa centre Winston Stanley.

“I’m delighted to have signed for Harlequins,” said Roberts.

“Having played in Cardiff and in Paris, moving to London is a chance for me to experience and further develop my career in a different league.

“My desire to compete and win at both club and international level remains as strong as ever and the brand of rugby Harlequins play will challenge my skill-set and no doubt help me improve as a rugby player.

“You look at the calibre of the Harlequins squad and the coaching set-up; they are a team that are going to be competing at the top level year in, year out and that was a huge factor in my decision to sign.

“I’m also delighted and feel very privileged to have been accepted to study at Cambridge University and look forward to furthering my education part-time alongside my professional playing career.

“That balance in my life has served me well in the past and I’m excited to start this new chapter in London.”