CONOR O'Shea believes he has signed a scrum-half to rival England international Danny Care.

The Harlequins boss has swooped for Bristol's Richard Bolt, one of two former Championship players moving up a level to join the club.

But O'Shea reckons former the Exeter man and England junior will make the step up to top flight rugby with ease.

He said: “With Danny Care often on England duty, and Sam Stuart recovering from a long term injury, we have been short of cover at scrum-half.

“However, Richard won't be coming in just as cover – he is good enough to be competing with Danny for the first team jersey.

“I have known Richard since he was 16 through my work with the RFU, and he has always had the talent.

“He has been unfortunate to have come through at a time when Ben Youngs and Joe Simpson were coming through the England set-up.”

Bolt was among the new faces at Surrey Sports Park on Sunday as Harlequins returned to pre-season training, minus their players involved in England U20s, Saxons or senior duty – as well as their foreign internationals.

Also pitching up for the first time were former Cornish Pirates centre Matt Hopper, and ex-Northcote and New Harbour prop Nic Mayhew. Fellow Kiwi Tim Fairbrother, also a prop, will arrive next month from Western Force.

O'Shea said: “Matt has not gone through the conventional route, spending some time in Australia rather than going through the academies, but we are expecting him to make a big impact.

“He was the best centre by far in the Championship last season, and he will be here to help George Lowe, who won't be able to play in every game.

“Nic is very quick around the pitch and will suit our style of play, and he comes highly recommended by Craig Dowd, who is one of the best All Blacks ever.

“He won't be one of those players who comes over here just to get a contract – he will be here to make a big impact.

“Tim Fairbrother, meanwhile, is a very tough performer, having played Super 12 rugby, and has turned down other clubs to come to us.”