Matt Evans was born in Salisbury, England and started playing rugby for the Salisbury Rugby Club at age six, until he moved to Vancouver Island and the Cowichan Rugby Football Club when he was 12.
While attending grade 10 at the Shawnigan Lake School, he was picked for the Canadian under 16 side and it was then he realized he could make it to the highest level of the sport.
Matt is lucky to have the support of a rugby family - his father, Chris, played rugby in England in the amateur days and was unlucky not to play for the national side. ‘I always try to emulate my Dad. He has been the biggest role model for me’, Matt says. ‘And my sister plays scrum half at school!’
He is a big fan of the culture and history of rugby, and follows it whenever he can. ‘I follow everything from the Heineken Cup to the Super 15, and really enjoy the British and Irish Lions tours and the Six Nations as well,’ Matt says.
Rugby has taken Matt all around the world, from Dubai to Japan, Georgia, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. ‘South Africa is one place I would like to get to,’ added Matt.
Outside of rugby, Matt enjoys his golf and has even extended his talents to the kitchen. Matt also does work in the community and in schools through his club, something he finds very rewarding.
He has completed a Bachelor of Science in conditioning and injury assessment, something which has helped him with his injuries in rugby. ‘I have had a few bad injuries, but it’s part of the game. Even though it’s horrid at the time, you learn and grow stronger from it,’ added Matt. ‘I feel it’s important for young men to have an education to fall back on because you never know what can happen so you have to prepare yourself for everything.’
Matt’s degree stands him in good stead for a life post-rugby, when he says he will look into teaching. ‘Either that or carry on the family gardening business!’ said Matt.
Current Team: Cornish Pirates
Jersey Number:10, 15
Position:Fly-half/Fullback
Height:183cm
Weight:89kg
International Caps: 14
Hometown: Salisbury, England
Date of Birth:02/01/1988
See Evans in action for Canada on June 23rd when the national team scrums down against Georgia at Swangard Stadium!
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