PHOTOS:
Rob Evans in action for the Scarlets
Turning out for Wales Under 20s
Part of the Scarlets' 2013/14 squad

 
There was a great deal of excitement in Pembrokeshire rugby circles in the week-end prior to the Tonga match at the Millennium Stadium when it was announced that prop Rob Evans, who hails from Haverfordwest, had been drafted into the full Welsh squad, despite being only 21 years of age.
 
Rob has been playing for the Scarlets this campaign and was in the young squad that was hammered 51-10 by the Saracens at Allianz Park. It had been a tough tussle and after forwards coach Danny Wilson had told them what he thought of their performances he called Rob aside and calmly told him that he was needed to train with the full Welsh team on the Monday!
 

Is this call-up a leg pull?

 
At first Rob thought it was some sort of leg pull but when he got home there was the confirmatory e-mail from Welsh team manager Alan Phillips, telling Rob to be at the Vale training headquarters on the Monday. Small wonder then that Rob was up bright and early the next day so that he would be in plenty of time.
 
“Of course I was nervous about being called into the squad,” admitted Rob, “but I was made very welcome and it was great to pick up my Welsh training kit and joining in the training. “There were several Scarlets’ players in the squad and Warren Gatland had asked me to train against the Lions before they went off on tour to Australia so I already knew him. It was another great experience.”
 

Reward for brave fight-back

 
That Rob should be involved at such a high level at his relatively tender age for a prop is great, but even more creditable because last season was hugely disrupted by injury. He had two hip operations and could be given for perhaps feeling a little pessimistic.
“It was doubly disappointing because the season before had gone so well,” said Rob.
“I had previously been a regular member of the Welsh under 20 team and we played 13 matches, eight of which I started at loose head prop.
“We came third in the World Cup, held in South Africa, with Samson Lee and Kirby Myhill also with me in the front row, and my lasting memory will be in beating New Zealand 9-6 in the pool matches, the first time they had ever lost in a World Cup match.”
 
This season has provided the dividend for all Rob’s hard work in rehab alongside the excellent medical staff at Parc y Scarlets because he has been involved in every game so far.
“Simon Easterby has given me loads of encouragement,” Rob told us, “and I was delighted to be involved in the pre-season friendlies at home to Exeter Chiefs and against Gloucester at Kingsholm.
“Since then I have played in Heineken Cup matches against Harlequins, where there were about 25,000 spectators, and at home to Racing Metro.
“Our next big match is our local derby against the Ospreys on Boxing Day and I can’t wait for that to come!”
 
 

Family footsteps

 
That Rob should be a prop and do so well is no surprise because it is very much a family position. His father Graham was a hugely respected front rower for many years with Haverfordwest and the county, whilst younger brother Oli (18) is at Cardiff University but doubles up as a prop at Narberth. Mum Catherine is the only non-prop in the Evans’ household,
“But she provides the greatest support for all of us,” said Rob with a chuckle!
 
Rob set out in the game at school and also played for a Haverfordwest Youth team coached by John Summons, Steve Brown and Tim Parry. From there he moved to Carmarthen Quins and gained experience aplenty as coach Max Howells allowed him lots of game time. He was also a member of the Scarlets’ Academy on a two-year contract before signing professional forms before the under 20s World Cup.
 

Cricket slogger ad keen angler

 
Outside of his cricket, Rob has played some cricket for Camrose, alongside Gelly James, Alan and Marc Jones.
“I was a bit of a slogger,” said Rob, “and I was either out for a duck or scored my runs quickly. I really enjoyed playing but at the moment time is my problem outside rugby.”
 
He also enjoys five a side football for recreation and his current rugby colleagues might be surprised to learn that he is also an experienced angler on the Western Cleddau or at Llys y Fran Reservoir, as well as a bit of sea angling.
“I once caught a 4lb trout at Llys y Fran and won a prize in a fishing competition for a 15oz fish, because there were so few caught!”
 

Daily drive to train hard

 
But all that has to take a back seat at the moment of the amount of time he spends training or playing rugby. He drives daily from home to Parc y Scarlets and all the commitment is paying dividends with his call-up for the Welsh squad.

“Training in the Welsh camp involved short, sharp and intense sessions and I learned so much from the experienced players, plus Warren Gatland and the other coaches.
“I shared a room with Sam Warburton, the Welsh captain, for the two nights I was there – perhaps he was designated to look after me!”
“I was disappointed to be released from the squad on the Wednesday because Paul John came in from Bath, but I know that time is on my side and this experience has made me even more determined to work very hard sat what I do,”
 
We at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk were delighted to hear that this unassuming young rugby player from Pembrokeshire is beginning to break through with such an early call up to the full Welsh squad – and we look forward to Rob Evans continuing his involvement with the Scarlets – and running out in the coveted Welsh jersey in the not too distant future!