London Irish sign former All Blacks lock Bryn Evans on two-year contract – Rugby news
Surrey based London Irish has acquired the services of the former All Blacks lock Bryn Evans on a two year contract. Officials confirmed the signing of Evans in a statement released at the club’s website on Tuesday May 25.
The statement read, “London Irish is delighted to announce the signing of All Black second row Bryn Evans, 26, on a two year contract.”
Born in Hastings, Evans is a New Zealand Rugby Union player. He has so far played for Hawke's Bay, Hurricanes and All Blacks. The 26-year-old Evans started his professional senior rugby career for his provincial/state side Hawke’s
Bay against Wairarapa Bush in 2003. He so far has made 68 provincial appearances and scored 10 tries.
In 2008, Evans made his Super Rugby debut against the Lions while representing Blues. In 2008/09 season, Evans helped Hawke’s Bay reach the semifinals of the Air New Zealand Cup. His exceptional performance earned him a deal
with the Super Rugby franchise Hurricanes. He played 11 games for the Hurricanes during the 2009 season and his impressive outings got him a call up in Graham Henry’s All Blacks side.
Evans made his international debut against the touring French team at Dunedin on Jun 13, 2009. He played his last international game against France at Wellington on June 20, 2009. Later he sustained a back injury that kept him
away from the Tri Nations and Air New Zealand Cup.
London Irish head coach Toby Booth has welcomed the lock’s signing and termed him a good resource for them in the upcoming season. He said, “Bryn is a huge addition to our squad for next season. His physical presence and his
capabilities around the field will hold us in good stead for the campaign.”
Booth further added that the youngster and other players in the club will also benefit from the experience of Evans. He said, “The experiences Bryn will bring from playing for the Hurricanes and All Blacks will no doubt rub
off on the young players we have coming through in the second row position.”
Evan has termed the opportunity of playing in Heineken Cup and against other European teams as very exciting. He further added that playing in the Northern Hemisphere would provide him the opportunity to test his skills against
different players clubs.
Evans is 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 115kg will join the London Irish in September 2011.
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