Harlequins pin hopes on Mehrts

Andrew Mehrtens (front), with Canterbury NPC coach Aussie McLean, reveals his Harlequins plans. Picture / Simon Baker

Former Harlequins coach Earle Kirton had no solution this week when touring Lions fans sounded him out about how the famous London club could escape the second division.

An answer came yesterday when one of New Zealand's most celebrated five-eighths, Andrew Mehrtens, announced he was joining Harlequins in a two-year deal.

Financial details were not disclosed but the Herald understands Mehrtens will be on a £180,000 ($460,000) annual wage plus other benefits when he makes his July move.

"Whether I had been selected to play for the All Blacks against the Lions or not, I have reached a time in both my rugby career and my personal life when I am seeking new challenges," Mehrtens said.

"I have loved every moment here in New Zealand but it is just the right time in my life, and with Jack [his fiancee] as well, in our life to go and do something different.

"I am looking forward to arriving in London at the end of July and to helping Quins achieve their aim of becoming one of the top teams in Europe."

Mehrtens' exit follows the departure of his regular five-eighths rival Carlos Spencer, who has taken up a deal with Northampton.

The 32-year-old Mehrtens was a shade subdued at yesterday's announcement and will make his Canterbury farewell next Wednesday when he plays in a Ranfurly Shield defence against Marlborough.

His contribution on the provincial and international scene was emphasised by his longtime coach, Robbie Deans.

"I don't think you will find anyone who has dominated a decade of rugby the way Mehrts has," said Deans. "You have only to track our performance this year as a province, as a franchise and the All Blacks."

Mehrtens played the last of his 70 tests in the 40-26 loss to the Springboks last season at Ellis Park, the same ground where he was such a central figure in the All Blacks' extra-time defeat in the 1995 World Cup final.

After a bit-part in this year's All Black trial, Mehrtens was overlooked for the All Blacks and the Juniors. The selectors said he would be reconsidered if there were injuries.

Instead, the All Blacks points record-holder will link with Harlequins, a side which includes fellow Kiwi lock Simon Maling, and will be coached this year by former England No 8 Dean Richards.

Mehrtens will make his English club start from division two after Harlequins were relegated for the first time in their history. Sources suggested Mehrtens would help coach the backline.

The five-eighths made his test debut against Canada in 1995 and accumulated 967 points in his decade at the top, the third highest tally in the world, behind Neil Jenkins and Michael Lynagh.

He secured a final Super 12 title with the Crusaders this season but his position as the premier five-eighths has been taken over by Daniel Carter.

"Andrew is a world-class performer, whose record at the highest level speaks for itself," Harlequins chief executive Mark Evans said.

"Apart from his undoubted quality as a player, I have also been impressed with his attitude in our negotiations, particularly after our disappointing end to last season."

Andrew Mehrtens

107 matches played for Canterbury

87 for the Crusaders

70 tests played since his debut in 1995

967 test points