Harlequins new boy Paul Sackey may be approaching the tail end of his career, but he still has wheels enough for a Premiership title tilt.

The 33-year-old completed a move back to England earlier this month after a three-year spell in France with Toulon and Stade Francais.

The former England international, who has a passion for fast cars, signed for his third London club having enjoyed great success with London Irish and London Wasps.

Sackey, who put retirement plans on hold to plug the gaps in Quins’ injury ravaged back line, hopes his move is more than just a marriage of convenience.

And while a return to the capital is associated with taking care of his blossoming business interests, the main reason the decorated winger has signed up at the Stoop is a desire to win more silverware.

“I was always coming back to London,” said Sackey, who is old enough to have played alongside O’Shea and coach Mark Mapletoft.

“I could have stayed in France, but I’ve only got one or two more years of rugby left in me and I need to focus on getting involved in my businesses as well.

“I turned other offers down because they were not convenient.

“Once this came up I didn’t need much persuading.

“This is a big club that wants to win things, which is the main reason I came here to carry on playing. If it wasn’t the right decision than I probably would have retired.

“I’m still passionate about winning. I love winning. I hate losing and I did not want to be at a club that was struggling to stay in the league or in mid-table.”

Sackey was thrown in at the deep end against London Scottish a couple of weeks ago and again for 20 minutes in Saturday’s 19-16 win over Glasgow Warriors – secured by a late try from Matt Hopper after early scores from Nick Easter and Ugo Monye.

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On target: Ugo Monye scored in the pre-season 19-16 win over Glasgow Warriors   SP73030

But the Premiership, Heineken Cup and Powergen Cup winner is hoping a return to top form will not be far away.

“Because I was concentrating on my businesses, I took two months out of the game over the summer,” said Sackey, who specialises in sourcing and selling luxury cars.

“I signed on the Thursday and played on the Friday, so I’ve come in right at the intensive part of pre-season.

“I’m enjoying my rugby again. I want some more good memories to take away with me “The past few years in France were just stress. It was difficult.

“I know that when I’m enjoying my rugby it brings out a good performance in me.

“Hopefully by the end of the season we’ll be up there to get a trophy.”