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	Gareth Lloyd Evans

Born 2.1152 Newport. Played for Newport HSOB and Cross Keys prior to Newport. Joined Newport in 1975 - debut at Welford Rd Feb 8th 1975 scoring winning try vs Leics (W10-6). Scored 16 tries in 1976/7 (as did centre partner Burcher) and top scorer with 14 in 1977/8. Newport Capt 1979/80. Made 200th appearance vs Blackheath in Oct 1981 and a total of 233 apps. Won 3 caps - first vs France in 1977 as sub. Toured with Wales in Australia in 1978 where he played as rep for Alun Donovan only to be soon injured himself. Proudest moment was being selected for British Lions tour of NZ (forcing him to stand down from Newport's Winning Cup Final Team 1977) where he played 3 of 4 tests (marking Bryan Williams). Also played vs Fiji.and for for Lions vs Barbarians (Queens Jubilee) at Twickenham and scored try to win 23-14. Joined Cardiff prior to retiring. Newport coach with Nev Johnson in successful promotion year from 1st Division in 1990/1. 1974/5 to 1981/2 : 226app / 89t / 4dg / 1c = 370pts.

Gareth Evans played 17 times for the British Lions on their 1973 tour of New Zealand and scored 3 tries.

Above programme cover and teamsheet for Gerald Evans debut for Wales. He was a reserve in this match.

The Players - J.P.R. Williams, Gerald Davies, Steve Fenwick, Ray Gravell, J.J. Williams, Phil Bennett, Gareth Edwards, Charlie Faulkner, Bobby Windsor, Graham Price, Allan Martin, Geoff Wheel, Jeff Squire, Terry Cobner, Derek Quinnell, Gareth Evans, (need to sort out whos who)

Above 1978 Wales Grand Slam Winners.

Above programme cover and teamsheet from the Wales v France match played on 18th March 1978 which clinched the Grand Slam for Wales. Evans is listed as substitute but was in the starting line-up on the wing. Wales won 16-7 in front of 52,000. This is the only match that Evans started. His other 2 Welsh caps were gained as a reserve.

Above programme cover and teamsheet from the Australia v Wales match played on 17th June 1978. Australia won 19-17. Gareth Evans was a substitute in this match and replaced Alun John Donovan. The team listing for Wales is incorrect. He fractured his cheek bone in this match.

From 1979-80 Gareth Evans was captain of Newport.

Forgotten man of Welsh rugby recalls his big day Mar 18 2005 Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

He is rugby's equivalent of Beatles forgotten man Pete Best. Most devout Welsh rugby followers could take a stab at naming 14 of the 1978 Grand Slam winning team who clinched the clean sweep with victory over France at the Arms Park. But the name of Newport's Gareth Evans doesn't trip off the tongue as easily as Phil Bennett, Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams and the Pontypool front-row. Even the most die-hard of Welsh fans could be forgiven for letting the three-quarter escape the memory bank as Evans became the 16th man of the 1978 campaign. Wales had named an unchanged side for their first three victories and were set field the same again before wing wizard Gerald Davies was forced out with a hamstring injury the night before the French game. It was a case of deja vu for Evans having won his first cap as a replacement for Davies against France a year before. Evans, now 50, certainly boasted the credentials of an international having played three Tests for the British Lions on their summer tour of New Zealand in 1977. But this special March day in Cardiff was to eclipse anything in his career. "It was definitely the biggest game of my career," recalled Evans, who will be at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow to cheer Wales on. "France v Wales in those days was always a key match and even though I had played in Lions Tests, nothing quite compared to this. "I remember I was a late call-up for Gerald Davies the night before. "That was not too difficult because I had been involved with the squad all the way through the championship. "I remember walking from the Angel Hotel across to the ground and the atmosphere was electric. "It is one game I remember of being aware of the crowd. They were just so noisy and were definitely worth a couple of extra points. "I just hope that can be recreated on Saturday." Evans watched Phil Bennett cross for the first of his two tries from the left wing as the diminutive outside-half inspired his side to a triple Triple Crown and second Grand Slam in three years. "It was a dream day for Phil," recalled Evans who only won three caps after having his career blighted with injuries. "Not only was a great player and a match-winner but he was also a great leader. But one of the characteristics of that Welsh side was that you had so many leaders and players on top of their games." Evans now hopes the class of 2005 can end 27 years of hurt tomorrow. "I don't think any of the Grand Slam side would want to still have this record and we did not think back then it would be so long," said Evans. "We hope this side can take on the mantle and this record can be forgotten. "I am sure if this team can do that, these players will be remembered in years to-come." "I can't really see Ireland winning," declared Evans. "Ireland are a more dangerous side when they are underdogs but they seem to be flagging at the moment and the momentum is with Wales. "I have been delighted with the way Wales are playing the key is the involvement of Mike Ruddock. "Just like the side of the 1970's, the forward base is vital and Mike has addressed this. "This platform has allowed Wales to release their backs with good ball."

He joined Clifton in February 1983. Above from the Evening Post on Saturday February 26th 1983.