Dan Evans has announced his retirement from rugby, bringing an end to his decade long career.
Born on November 15th, 1988, in Swansea, Evans began his career on the wing with the Scarlets before moving to the Dragons where he changed position to full-back.
Evans moved to the Ospreys in 2014, making his debut against Edinburgh, and quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite.
He would prove to be one of the Ospreys’ most striking signings, with 173 appearances for the region and voted supporters’ player of the year in 2014/15 and 2018/19.
Evans scored his first try for the Ospreys against Benetton in his in inaugural season and would go on to score a total of 52 tries for the region, placing him as their second all-time try scorer.
Head Coach, Toby Booth, said:
“Dan will be sorely missed at the Ospreys. Always a fierce competitor, his commitment to the game and on-field intelligence made him a standout player.
“A premier full-back, Dan’s decisiveness, solid counter-attacking ability and aerial expertise led the team to several successes over the years.
“Dan's contributions to our club will always be remembered by fans, coaches, and players. Everyone at the Ospreys wishes him and his family all the best for the future."
Dan Evans full statment:
This has taken some time to process and something I knew would be difficult to share and put into words, but I am announcing my retirement from rugby.
Last August, during a pre-season friendly, I suffered a hip injury that would require a hip resurfacing operation. I had the operation in November under the care of a fantastic surgeon in London. It has been one of the most challenging times throughout my professional career and although my recovery is positive, I believe my body will not let me get to the standards I set myself. Therefore, this is the right time to retire from professional rugby.
From playing my first game of rugby at the age of 6, I fell in love with the game and never looked back. I never imagined that I would have had the career I’ve had, playing almost 300 professional games over a period of 16 years.
I would like to thank Ammanford RFC, Llandybie RFC and Tumble RFC for giving me my grass roots rugby at junior level that would give me the platform to where I am today. I would also like to thank Llanelli RFC, Carmarthen Quins RFC and Llandovery RFC for giving me the opportunity to play senior rugby and giving me great opportunities to deepen my knowledge and understanding of the game.
Professional rugby began at the Scarlets at 18 years old where I played 74 games over a few years. I then moved on to the Dragons where I played 48 games. Finally, in 2014, I moved to the Ospreys and I have enjoyed 9 great seasons, playing 173 games. I look back at my career feeling proud of my achievements.
As a young boy from Wales it was always my dream to play for my country. I am extremely grateful that this dream came true in 2009, playing for Wales in Canada and America.
As this chapter comes to an end, I would like to thank all the coaches, backroom staff, physios, medical team, kit-men and team-mates I have had the pleasure of working aside over the 16 years. I have played against and with some of the best players in the world and I have gained friendships and memories that will always stay with me. I would also like to thank my agent, Derwyn Jones, for looking after me throughout my career.
I would also like to thank all my supporters out there who have always shown kindness and support throughout my career. Your continuous support has meant a lot to me, thank you. To my personal sponsors, Stephen and Helen, thank you for sticking by me and sponsoring me throughout my Ospreys career. It’s been a special journey and I am thankful that our families have become close friends.
My final thank you is for my wonderful family and friends who are always there for me and have always supported me. To my parents, thank you for supporting every opportunity that came my way. Thank you for all the encouragement, guidance and advice to allow me to follow my dream, not forgetting the endless amounts of lifts to wherever I needed to be. I will be forever grateful to you both, thank you.
To Sarah, my amazing wife, thanks for supporting me no matter what, through the good and tough times. I can’t thank you enough for always being there and bringing the best out of me. And finally, my two wonderful children, Oli and Elsi, you are undoubtedly my biggest achievement.
I am excited yet nervous for this new chapter but I am ready for the challenge.
Diolch
Dan