Championship club Bristol sign Wales forward Ian Evans
Last Updated: 24/06/14 5:52am
Championship club Bristol have announced the signing of Wales international lock Ian Evans.
Evans, a former British and Irish Lion, signed from Ospreys after a move to European champions Toulon fell through.
He will join fellow Welshmen Ryan Jones, Dwayne Peel and Matthew Morgan as Bristol look to make another promotion push after losing out to London Welsh in the Championship final last season.
Bristol rugby director Andy Robinson is delighted to have the 29-year-old on board and is confident he will provide a good example for the younger players at the club.
"Ian is a tough, physical second-row and he will be a valuable addition to our pack ahead of the new season," he said.
Ian is a tough, physical second-row and he will be a valuable addition to our pack ahead of the new season.
Andy Robinson
"He's a quality lineout operator and shows the attitude that you would expect from a top-class international player.
"He will complement our young locks and play an important role in developing them."
Challenge
Evans, who last featured for Wales as a substitute in the first Test of their recent tour of South Africa, has won 33 caps and three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.
The forward becomes the latest high-profile name to depart Wales, following in the footsteps of Jamie Roberts, Mike Phillips, Dan Lydiate, Jonathan Davies and George North.
Evans cited the professional set-up under Robinson as a big factor in his decision to move and is excited about the future for the club.
"The set-up and resources at Bristol Rugby are so professional. I am really looking forward to the fresh challenge and getting started," he said.
"I know a number of the players at the club, and they were very positive about the direction that Bristol is going.
"It was a straightforward decision for me. It's great to be part of one the most exciting projects in English rugby."
Bristol will begin their new Championship campaign by hosting Worcester Warriors, who were relegated from the Aviva Premiership last season.
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