NEW signing Paul Sackey is not at Harlequins just to pick up a final few pay cheques and prepare for life after rugby, boss Conor O'Shea has warned.

The former England international signed for Quins last week as a replacement for Ross Chisholm, whose cruciate ligament injury in a pre-season tournament looks to have sidelined him for the whole of the forthcoming season.

The move sees a return to the capital for the former London Irish and London Wasps winger following a three-year exile in France with Toulon and Stade Francais.

And while it is seen as a move to wind down the 33 year old's career, O'Shea warned Quins' Premiership rivals that Sackey is far from hanging up his boots and raring to go.

He said: “I've know Paul Sackey for a long time and he's still a quality player. You want people coming in you know can deliver, and Paul fits into that category.

“It will take a few weeks to get him up to match fitness, but he keeps himself in great shape and his attitude is spot on.

“Paul has played at the very highest level, but he's still got a lot of energy and enthusiasm for the game. He's very ambitious and wants to finish on a high.

“The competition will be fierce next season, and I am really excited by it. Paul's arrival will not only add valuable experience, but keep the pressure on Tom Williams and Mike Brown.”

With Brown expected to away on England duty for large chunks of the season, Williams may find himself at full-back more often than on the wing.

But while Quins don't expect to see Chisholm in a Quins shirt this season, Olly Lindsay-Hague should be back by December and could play a crucial role in the second half of the campaign.

O'Shea said: “Olly will come back into the fold at a time when there is still a of of rugby left to play. It is clear to see that he is a very special talent, but has been hindered by suffering from injuries at unfortunate times.

“Ross is the sort of player who will go through the healing process in as quick a time as possible, so he could return before the end of the season, but sometimes it's not worth the risk.

“He is a really positive character who will get stuck into his rehab straight away and come back stronger for the experience.”