HARLEQUINS have confirmed the signing of former Wales tighthead prop Adam Jones.

The 34-year-old, who retired from Test rugby earlier this season, will move to Quins from Cardiff Blues.

Jones won 95 Wales caps during an international career that also saw him play in five Tests for the British and Irish Lions.

He last played for Wales on their South Africa tour nine months ago, being substituted early during the first Test in Durban and he was subsequently not selected for the autumn Test campaign, before deciding to depart the international arena ahead of this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship.

It proved to be a surprise move, although there has been no indication of him reconsidering or Wales approaching him about a possible return during World Cup year.

Jones enjoyed a celebrated Test career, playing a key role in three Six Nations Grand Slam-winning campaigns - 2005, 2008 and 2012 - while also helping Wales to title glory in 2013.

He moved to the Blues for this season following an 11-year stint with the Ospreys.

"I am really excited about this new challenge," Jones said. "I have enjoyed my year with the Blues, and I am thankful to the board and Mark Hammett (former Blues rugby director) for giving me a go.

"Contrary to media reports in Wales, I have had options here, but Harlequins is an ambitious and progressive club with good values.

"Everyone who is there, or who has been there, loves it."

Jones will join fellow new recruit - former Australia captain James Horwill - at the Twickenham Stoop next term, while Quins have also strongly been linked with a move for Wales centre Jamie Roberts, who currently plies his trade with French club Racing Metro.

Quins rugby director Conor O'Shea said: "We are absolutely delighted to have secured Adam's services.

"Not only is it apparent that Adam wants to keep going for some time to come, but the work he will do in supporting and pushing our young tightheads Kyle Sinckler, Will Collier and Matt Shields will benefit us for years to come.

"He is a world-class prop, and we cannot wait to get him involved. I am sure he will become an instant hit with our supporters."