Evans signs with the Hurricanes
MALAKAI Fekitoa is off to France. Marty Banks has a gig in Italy. Patrick Osborne is heading to Japan.
But poor old Gareth Evans is only going as far as windy Wellington.
The Highlander loose forward will join the Hurricanes on a twoyear contract and was getting ready to leave Dunedin when the Otago Daily Times contacted him for comment.
The 25yearold said he has enjoyed his fouryear stint with the franchise but the opportunities were further north.
‘‘It was quite a tough decision because I’ve been down here for a while and I’ve bought a house down here,’’ Evans said.
‘‘But it is the industry you are in. When things like this come around and you review things, you’ve got to look for the positives and I’m looking forward to the change and a new environment.’’
Evans is from Hawke’s Bay and moved south to Dunedin to attend the University of Otago in 2010.
He played club rugby for Dunedin and was picked up by Otago the following year. He was rewarded for consistent form with a Highlanders contract in 2014 and has played 43 games for the franchise.
The 2322 win against the British and Irish Lions at Forsyth Barr Stadium last month and the championship run in 2015 were both great memories, as were the fans.
‘‘Otago is a pretty tightknit community and they get in behind you whether you win or lose. The people down here have been awesome and that is something I’ll miss.’’
Highlanders chief executive officer Roger Clark said Evans had played in about 80% of the Highlanders’ games in the last three years, which highlighted how valuable he had been.
‘‘He has been in integral part of the team on and off the field and is great guy,’’ Clark said.
‘‘It is sad to see him go but I suppose with the evolution of teams, you turn over players every now and then.
‘‘Sometimes you lose people you don’t want to lose and other times it is just time to move on. In Gareth’s case, the best move for him was to move on to the Canes and get another opportunity.’’
Evans’ older brother, Bryn, a lock, played 25 matches for the Hurricanes between 2009 and 2011 and had two games for the All Blacks in 2009.
Evans played 34 games for Otago between 2011 and 2013 before shifting his provincial allegiance to Hawke’s Bay in 2014.
Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said Evans was an exciting addition to the squad.
‘‘I was involved with Gareth at age grade level and he has always had an outstanding attitude and a great work ethic. Those traits have been evident throughout his career. I have no doubt they will continue at the Hurricanes.’’