Jamie Roberts: Quins can do Cardiff Blues favour - Davies

Jamie Roberts made his Wales debut on the wing against Scotland in 2008

Harlequins' desire to sign Jamie Roberts is not "the worst thing that could have happened" to Cardiff Blues regarding the Wales centre's future, says Nigel Davies.

Grand Slam winner Roberts, 28, could leave Racing Metro in the summer, and Blues have made a bid to re-sign him.

But former Gloucester coach Davies pointed out Roberts will have heavy commitments with Wales in 2015-16.

Davies said Blues "might be able to use that money for some other players".

Roberts is expected to be on World Cup and Six Nations duty next season, limiting his involvement at whichever team he plays for.

The World Cup runs from Friday, 18 September to Saturday, 31 October with the 2016 Six Nations from Saturday, 6 February to Saturday, 19 March.

Former Wales centre and caretaker-coach Davies told Scrum V Radio: "They [Blues] want guys onboard immediately at the start of next season.

"They've got to start strongly and Jamie's not going to be around."

Davies says World Cup players will not return to club or regional duties immediately after the tournament "and then they are going to go away for the Six Nations".

If Roberts favours returning to his homeland, an agreement within Wales means Blues would have first refusal for him.

That was also the case with Roberts' ex-Racing team-mate Dan Lydiate.

But the Wales and Lions flanker returned to Wales in autumn 2014 on a national dual contract with Ospreys instead of rejoining former team Newport Gwent Dragons.