Evans forced to retire from rugby

Scotland and Glasgow Warriors wing Thom Evans has been forced to retire from rugby on medical advice following the broken neck he suffered during the 2010 RBS Six Nations.

The 25-year-old collided with Wales full-back Lee Byrne in February and received expert medical attention from members of the Millennium Stadium, Welsh Rugby Union and Scottish Rugby medical teams after incurring the injury.

It was revealed his vertebrae was knocked so badly out of alignment that he was just one millimetre from paralysis or even death.

He underwent two operations at the University Hospital Wales, part of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and his twin brother Max said Thom should not play again.

Nine months on and it has been confirmed he will be unable to return to rugby.

Evans said: “When you’re told you can’t play the sport you love dearly, it comes as quite a shock.

“But taking everything into account, I can still do pretty much anything.

“I just can’t play a physical game such as rugby.

“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.”

Evans made his Scotland debut against Argentina in June 2008, scored his only Test try against France in the 2009 Six Nations and made a total of 10 appearances for the national team.

“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,” he said.

“Even though I can’t play the game, I’ll still be as enthusiastic off the pitch as I was on it.

“No matter what the future holds, I know I will remain a big follower of my brother Max, Glasgow Warriors and the Scotland team for the rest of my life.”

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson paid tribute to the winger.

“On behalf of the Scotland management and players I want to wish Thom all the very best,” he said.

“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.”