EVANS SEALS GWENT SWITCH
WELSH international prop Rob Evans has signed for the Dragons just days after it was announced he was being released by the Scarlets.
The 39-times capped loosehead joins the Men of Gwent after nine years with the Scarlets, where he made more than 150 appearances.
Evans, 30, said: “I’m happy to be joining and excited to get going next year.
“It feels like the right time for a change and, with the other signings and what Dean (Ryan) wants to build here, it will be brilliant and I’m looking forward to it.
“I love playing at Rodney Parade and the fans are really loud and intimidating.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of it and having them on my side.”
Director of rugby Ryan said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming a player of
Rob’s calibre to the Dragons and excited about the impact he can make with us.
“Rob is highly driven and motivated to help us move forward as a squad.
“He also still has big international ambitions with Wales that he wants to achieve as a Dragon.”
Having made his Wales debut against Ireland in 2015, Evans went on to be a mainstay of Warren Gatland’s team, making his mark as a mobile front-rower with slick handling skills.
He started four games in the 2019 Grand Slam campaign, with his last cap coming against England at Twickenham in March 2020.
Evans is the latest in a long list of signings by the Dragons, following the likes of Highlanders centre Sio Tomkinson, Ulster hooker Bradley Roberts and returning Scarlets back Angus O’Brien.
Evans says he is leaving the Scarlets on good terms after his shock exit was revealed.
“I don’t think it’s hit me yet, to be fair,” he told BBC’s Scrum V podcast before news of his move the Dragons was announced.
“Obviously I’ll miss the boys and stuff and miss the club, but every good thing comes to an end and I’m looking forward to what is to come now.
“I’ve been chatting to them for a while and obviously money is getting a lot less now in Wales, some good looseheads heads now as well.
“It was an accumulation of a few things really and what’s good for me going forward.
“It was a few things but we haven’t fallen out on bad terms or anything. Leaving the club with good feeling really. It’s all good.
“I don’t mean money in that way (personally), I mean funding to try to build a squad.
“If we had four or five looseheads, when you might need players for either positions. Unfortunately I was the one who was out of contract this year and they need to re-boost in other positions.
“That’s the way it is, really. As I said, I’m looking forward to other opportunities now and moving forward.”
Other players to be leaving the Scarlets include former captain Steff Hughes, Wales international Tyler Morgan. James Davies, Liam Williams, Marc Jones, Tom Phillips and Tom Lewis.