Harlequins legend Nick Evans confirms plans to retire at end of season
Tuesday 18 April 2017 11:45, UK
Harlequins' former All Black Nick Evans has announced that he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
Evans has been a Quin since 2008 and in his 206 senior appearances for the club to date has scored a record 2,217 points.
He made his Test debut for New Zealand against England and won a total of 16 caps, scoring 103 points, with his most recent cap being at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
"I thought leaving New Zealand was hard, but leaving the game I've played since I was eight years old, and professionally for 17 years, is tough," he said. "But when you know, you know.
"This game has taught me everything, showed me things I could never imagine and introduced me to people that are not teammates but family.
"I need to thank the clubs I have represented, the coaches - who have helped shape the player I am today - and the fans, both in New Zealand where it all started, and here in the UK, for their support and cheers.
"I will never be able to express how much representing the All Blacks, and living my childhood dream, meant to me.
"I want to thank my parents and brother who are my biggest fans, and thank them for all the support, trips to training and games, and their "constructive criticism" as only family can give."
Harlequins director of rugby John Kingston said: "The word 'legendary' is really over used within the modern sporting world, but in the case of Nick Evans and his rugby playing career at Harlequins, it is the perfect description.
"It is a huge statement to make but I genuinely question if any player in the history of the club has had such an impact on team performances."
