RFU Championship
Ian Evans joins Bristol after Toulon move collapses
ESPN Staff
June 23, 2014
Wales second row Ian Evans ahead of the Six Nations match with France, Wales v France, Six Nations, Millenium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, March 17 2012
Ian Evans ... and another one's gone © PA Photos
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In a major blow to attempts by the WRU to keep players from moving abroad, Wales and Ospreys lock Ian Evans has joined Championship side Bristol after a planned move to Toulon collapsed.

While the board has become used to clubs in the Top 14 and Premiership luring their best players, that Evans was persuaded to join a Championship team will be a slap in the face. He is the club's 15th summer signing as they try again to secure promotion.

"These sort of fellas don't grow on trees," coach Sean Holley told the BBC. "He's a physical specimen. Worcester, our rivals in the Championship, were in for him as well. That shows the quality of the player.

"We're building a strong squad, combining a core of young Bristol players with some experienced internationals. And they want to be part of something special."

Evans missed the Six Nations because of a ban for stamping, and although he toured South Africa he was dropped after the first Test.

"I know a number of the players at the club and they were very positive about the direction that Bristol is going," he said. "It was a straightforward decision for me. It's great to be part of one the most exciting projects in English rugby."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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