The Ospreys have strengthened a key area of their squad by signing Wales-qualified No. 8 Gareth Evans from Gloucester.
It’s a case of the Liberty Stadium region finally getting their man as they have long been on the trail of the ball-carrying 27-year-old. “Gareth is someone I’ve been tracking for a while,” said Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke.
“He will bring a different skill-set to the squad.”
A specialist middle-of-the-back-row operator who has a Welsh father and family who live on the Llyn Peninsula, Evans becomes the Ospreys’ second signing in recent weeks after the capture of Gareth Anscome from Cardiff Blues.
In bringing him in, they hope they have sorted out what has been a problem position for them over an extended period. With Dan Baker absent because of injury for the past 20 months, they have been forced to call on another options, with James King playing in the middle of the back row 14 times last season.
King has done a fine job, causing the Ospreys to once again be grateful for the Wales international’s versatility, but many believe the 28-year-old is primarily a blindside.
Whatever, Evans, who made 85 appearances over eight years for the Cherry and Whites, should give his new team go-forward.
He has been competing with Ben Morgan for the shirt at Gloucester, with Evans offering a contrasting style to his rival. Whereas the former Scarlet prefers to batter his way over the gain-line, the 6ft 3in, 17st 7lb Evans has the pace to exploit gaps in opposition defences and the strength to go with it.
Injuries haven’t helped Evans at Kingsholm, but he made 16 appearances last season and was well thought of within the squad.
He said: “I’ve been a one-club guy all my career but the Ospreys are an awesome club with a great history and I can’t wait to get stuck in.
“This is a great opportunity.
“Looking at the players who are already here in the back-row we have some top-level guys, so for me it’s going to be about getting my hands on the ball, carrying, and trying to get go-forward for the team and give the guys out wide a bit of an opportunity to do some damage.
“My dad’s Welsh, my grandad lives up on the Llyn Peninsula, and that whole side of the family are thrilled that I’m joining the Ospreys.
“I grew up in England but my dad always made sure I was supporting Wales whenever they were on the TV, and I have done ever since, so I’m really excited to be playing my rugby in Wales.”
Clarke added: "Gareth has had significant experience with Gloucester as a specialist eight in the Premiership and Europe, showing how dynamic and physical he can be with the ball in hand. He's also still young and hungry to improve.
"I've no doubt we have yet to see the best of him and I look forward to Gareth not only adding quality competition to our back-row roster but competing for a starting spot in the team."
Evans will link with the Ospreys when they start pre-season training at Llandarcy Academy of Sport next month.
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