Indeed, Malone has made the drop goal something of a trade mark, for his cool-headed strike in the dying minutes of a game has helped Bath to sneak victory, most recently against Sale Sharks in December at the Rec, when Bath triumphed thanks to the fly-half’s drop goal two minutes from time. As well as scoring 25 drop goals to date, Malone has notched 121 penalties, 52 conversions and 10 tries, for a total of 608 points. Before being named in the side for tomorrow’s match against Gloucester, he had made 20 appearances this season, and 117 appearances in all.

Malone and his wife Belinda, who is expecting a baby in a matter of weeks, has enjoyed his time at the club: “I have had a great time at Bath Rugby,” Malone said. “Belinda and I have loved living in Bath and being involved with such a great club. While I’m sad to leave, it’s an exciting challenge to move to Quins and a good opportunity, and hopefully it’ll be a successful few years.

“I’ll miss the players here – I’m good friends with all of them,” he continued. “We have got a baby due in the next couple of weeks, and with moving to London, I guess it’s a lot of change at once. I’d like to think that I’ve contributed lots to Bath Rugby. I have been there in the thick of things and played a lot of games, and thank goodness I’ve remained largely injury-free. The club has great supporters and it’s at times like this that they tell you how much they are going to miss you.”

Referring to his drop-goal feats, he said: “The great thing is that in times of need, as a group of players, we have pulled ourselves through on plenty of occasions. As for those last-minute kicks and drop goals, I’d like to attribute them to the whole team rather than just me. I’ve been lucky to be in the right place. I will miss the players, supporters, the club and the city.”

Steve Meehan said: “Chris has been here for some time and as a popular member of the squad he will be missed. Let’s hope that he stays injury-free and continues to enjoy his rugby at Quins.”

ENDS