Shadow over final

Apr 11 2008 by Richard Fletcher, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER Rugby Club’s appearance at Twickenham tomorrow has been overshadowed by a horrific work accident to flanker Aled Evans who is fighting for his life in hospital.

Evans, who had been part of Chester’s squad to face Birkenhead Park in the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup final, was airlifted from a farm in Wales after falling through a roof on Wednesday.

He suffered severe head, arm and leg injuries and was last night still on life support at Walton Centre for Neurology.

The 29-year-old was working as a self-employed building contractor at Bwlch Gwyn Farm, Fairbourne. He was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital and then transferred to the specialist unit.

Chester director of rugby Steve Donovan said: “He was at the club on Tuesday night training – that was our last training session before Twickenham. He was very excited.

“It’s horrendous, for a guy who was so fit and due to have his first game at Twickenham in his life. It’s put a dampener on it.

“I know the effect on our guys. They’ll be upset and we hope he’ll be okay. Our thoughts are with him. Some things are more important than a game of rugby. But we are still excited and will hopefully carry on.

“We will keep things as normal as we can but we’re all worried about him. Part of us will always be thinking of Aled.”

Evans, who had been named on the bench for tomorrow’s big game at rugby HQ, will be replaced by fellow forward Rob Miles, who has been second team captain.

Evans, from Rhydymain, near Dolgellau, has four sisters and a brother and is a keen trial biker.

Evans has played for Dolgellau, Aberystwyth and Chester. He also helped coach younger players at Dolgellau where he is described as an “inspiration”.

Chester head coach Rob Foden said last night that the club will dedicate tomorrow’s game to Evans.

“It will add to our incentive to play for someone who would have been there,” he said.