​Wales fly-half Jarrod Evans has returned to Cardiff after three seasons with Harlequins, and the 29-year-old is set to help the URC quarter-finalists push for more success while adding to his 17 caps. In his first spell with the Blue and Blacks, Evans made 126 appearances, amassed 765 points, and contributed to their 2018 Challenge Cup triumph. He joined Harlequins in 2023, making 48 appearances as he vied for the number 10 jersey with England and British and Irish Lions fly-half Marcus Smith.
“I feel I’ve matured as a player and as a person,” Evans said. “Getting different experiences is valuable. I’ve spent three seasons with Harlequins where I stepped outside my comfort zone, immersed in a different environment and style, so I hope there are things I can bring back to Cardiff.” Evans described his time away as a chance to grow and adapt, with the aim of contributing to Cardiff’s continued development.
Cardiff earned a place in last season’s URC play-offs after narrowly missing out in 2025, and they suffered only one home defeat at the Arms Park. Evans added: “I want to help build on the success I’ve seen since I left.” He left the club when competitive contracts became financially challenging, joining Quins, and he now believes the squad is brimming with young talent alongside established international players. “I just want to add what I can, and hopefully the club can continue the progress they’ve made.”
Evans will also be eyeing a recall to the Wales squad after missing out on the summer tour for Dan Edwards and Sam Costelow. He has already featured six times under head coach Steve Tandy, including scoring the decisive penalty in the autumn victory over Japan.
Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl is keen to leverage a potential competition for the number 10 jersey at the Arms Park, as the team moves into the Champions Cup era. “Fly-half was an area we needed to strengthen, and Evans will now compete with Callum Sheedy and Ioan Lloyd in a pivotal position for the team, where we have real strength,” van Zyl said. “Everyone at the Arms Park knows his attacking style, and I’m excited to see it again. He’s developed his game further at Quins and has a well-balanced approach, combining attacking spark with control. Off the field, he will contribute to raising our standards, culture, and environment.”
Evans is Cardiff’s latest signing, following moves for centre Le Roux Malan, loose-head prop Scott Sio, and flanker or lock Semisi Paea. The arrival comes as part of Cardiff’s broader plan to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2026-27 season, reinforcing their depth and experience across key positions.