Scotland wing Thom Evans is forced to retire
Scotland international Thom Evans has announced his retirement from rugby after failing to recover from a neck injury.
The 24-year-old winger seriously injured his neck in February’s Six Nations Test with Wales in Cardiff.
The incident occurred when Evans collided awkwardly with Welsh full back Lee Byrne. The wing was stretchered off and rushed to hospital.
Evans was in a critical condition after suffering from a slipped vertebra and underwent two operations, but the Glasgow Warrior player was told by medics that the injury would not hold up to the rigours
of the game.
Evans said: "I can still do pretty much anything. I just can't play a physical game such as rugby.”
The winger played 10 times for his country and made 75 appearances for Glasgow Warriors.
Evans admitted that he still loved the sport and that he would support Scotland and his brother Max Evans who plays in the centre for Scotland.
"When you're told you can't play the sport you love dearly, it comes as quite a shock. You can ask any rugby player who has had a freak accident and they will still tell you that rugby is the best game
in the world."
The former international was keen to look at the positives that he has taken from rugby rather than dwell on his neck injury.
“I've been fortunate to have played six seasons at the top against some of the best players in the world. I'll have those memories for the rest of my life,” said Evans.
Scotland coach Andy Robinson stated that the Scottish Rugby Union would help Evans once he decided on his future.
"Thom is a talented and resilient lad and, whatever challenges he decides to take on, he does so with our full backing and knowing that the rugby family will always be there to support and encourage him,"
Robinson said.
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