All Blacks back Nick Evans has confirmed he will head to Europe at the end of the New Zealand domestic season.

Evans, who plays at five-eighth and fullback for the Blues in the Super 14, said on Monday he had signed with England's Harlequins club until 2011.

New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said regular talks with Evans and his advisors had been going on since January in an effort to retain him.

"We were definitely keen to keep him playing here in New Zealand," he said.

"While we are disappointed to lose a player and person of his calibre, we respect his decision ... we wish him well over there."

Evans made his Test debut against England in Dunedin in 2004 and has played 16 Tests, scoring 103 points.

He also played for the New Zealand sevens team in 2002 and the inaugural Junior All Blacks team in 2005.

Evans played 32 Super rugby games for the Highlanders and has 10 for the Blues this season.

At provincial level, he has played for North Harbour and Otago.

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