Nick Evans to play in England
May 5
MEDIA RELEASE
5 May 2008
Nick Evans to play in England
Blues player Nick Evans has today confirmed he is leaving New Zealand to play in England at the conclusion of this year’s Air New Zealand Cup.
27-year-old Evans has signed a deal with English club side Harlequins through to 30 June 2011.
New Zealand Rugby Union General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said the organisation had been in regular talks with Evans and his advisors since January this year in an effort to retain him.
“As we all know, Nick is an incredibly talented player and we were definitely keen to keep him playing here in New Zealand.”
“While we are disappointed to lose a player and person of his calibre we respect his decision and want to acknowledge his contribution to New Zealand rugby, and we wish him well over there,” Sorensen said.
Evans made his All Blacks Test debut against England in Dunedin in 2004 and has since played in 16 Tests, scoring 103 points. He also played for the New Zealand Sevens team, in 2002, and the inaugural Junior All Blacks team in 2005.
At Rebel Sport Super 14 level Evans has played 32 games for the Highlanders and 10 games for the Blues this season while at provincial level, he has played for North Harbour and Otago.
Note to media: Nick Evans will be available for interviews at the Blues’ training session today, Monday 5 May.
Details:
Time: 12.30pm – 1.00pm
Venue: Unitec, Carrington Road, Mt Albert
For further information contact:
Joslyn Titus
NZRU Communications Advisor
P: (04) 494 0967
M: 027 227 1750
Jo Coleman
Head of Communications
Blues / Auckland Rugby Union
P: (09) 815 4812
M: 0274 297 309
E: Jo.Coleman@aucklandrugby.co.nz
