Sport
Rob Evans returns to Haverfordwest after professional retirement
FORMER Welsh international and Grand Slam prop, Rob Evans, is making a nostalgic comeback to his hometown club, Haverfordwest. The 31-year-old, with a notable 39 caps for Wales under his belt, has joined from the Dragons following his retirement from professional rugby.
Over a span of nine seasons from 2011, Evans impressed with 151 appearances for The Scarlets. At a commanding nineteen stone, the loosehead prop has swiftly commenced training with his new teammates at Pembroke Road. The addition of such a player is indeed a masterstroke for The Blues, who are presently under the stewardship of Coach Randal Evans – recently returned from a stint at Narberth.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Rob stated, “Joining the Blues feels like a homecoming. I’m eager to give back to the town and, on a larger scale, to community rugby. It’s an opportunity to appreciate those who guided me at the dawn of my career. Under Randal’s vision, I foresee a brilliant journey ahead.”
In echoing the sentiment, Coach Evans remarked, “To have a player of Rob’s stature is an honour. His zeal and commitment align perfectly with our ambitions. We anticipate great achievements at Haverfordwest.”
Beyond his national cap, Evans was also a formidable part of the Wales U20s team that clinched third place in the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa. He shared the front row with fellow Scarlets, Kirby Myhill and Samson Lee. Evans made a memorable senior international debut against Ireland in the 2015 Six Nations Championship. His agility and deft handling skills became a hallmark of Warren Gatland’s team. He was a key player in the 2019 Grand Slam, with his last cap in March 2020 against England.
The Evans family holds deep-rooted ties with the Division Three West side. Both his father, Graham, and uncle, Richard, achieved honors with The Blues in their heydays of the 70s & 80s.
With the upcoming Division Three West A season opener at home against Neyland on September 2, Haverfordwest is abuzz with anticipation. The club is optimistic that their new star acquisition will invigorate the fan base.
Club Secretary Graham Dalton expressed, “Rob embodies the club’s spirit with his illustrious past. He’s poised to inspire the next generation. The atmosphere is electric.”
WALES head coach Matt Sherratt has named an unchanged starting XV for their Guinness Six Nations clash against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday (KO 4:45pm GMT, live on BBC and S4C).
Jac Morgan continues as captain at blindside flanker, with Tommy Reffell at openside and Taulupe Faletau at No. 8. The front row remains the same, featuring Nicky Smith at loosehead prop, Elliot Dee at hooker, and WillGriff John at tighthead. Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins retain their spots in the second row.
Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, partnered by Gareth Anscombe at fly-half. In midfield, Ben Thomas lines up alongside Max Llewellyn. Ellis Mee, who made his debut in the previous match, keeps his place on the wing with Tom Rogers on the opposite side, while Blair Murray starts at fullback.
Two changes have been made among the replacements: Dewi Lake returns to the match-day squad for his first Six Nations appearance since 2022, and tighthead prop Keiron Assiratti also comes into the 23. Gareth Thomas, Teddy Williams, and Aaron Wainwright complete the forward replacements, while Rhodri Williams, Jarrod Evans, and Joe Roberts are the backup backs.
Sherratt said: “This week, we’ve challenged ourselves to keep improving. We want to maintain the same intent and bravery we showed against Ireland but ensure we build on our performance. We’re excited for the challenge of playing Scotland in Edinburgh and can’t wait to get out there on Saturday.”
Wales team to face Scotland
Starting XV:
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 6 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 8 caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 6 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 10 caps)
11. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 1 cap)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester Rugby – 40 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 62 caps)
- Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 52 caps)
- Elliot Dee (Dragons – 54 caps)
- WillGriff John (Sale Sharks – 3 caps)
- Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 39 caps)
- Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 21 caps)
- Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 21 caps) – captain
- Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 25 caps)
- Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 106 caps)
Replacements:
16. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 18 caps)
17. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 38 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 12 caps)
19. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 4 caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 55 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 7 caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 9 caps)
23. Joe Roberts (Scarlets – 3 caps)
2025 Guinness Six Nations fixtures
Friday 31 January: France 43-0 Wales – Stade de France, Paris
Saturday 8 February: Italy 22-15 Wales – Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Saturday 22 February: Wales 18-27 Ireland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday 8 March: Scotland v Wales – Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh (KO 4:45pm GMT)
Saturday 15 March: Wales v England – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (KO 4:45pm GMT)
THE MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire has praised Haverfordwest County Football Club for its contributions to the local community, highlighting its impact during Commons questions in Parliament.
Henry Tufnell MP called on the Minister of State for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP, to join him in recognising the club’s efforts and to wish them success for the rest of the season.
“I was thrilled to highlight the incredible work carried out by Haverfordwest County across our community,” said Tufnell. “Our local club facilitates football sessions for school pupils through the brilliant Fit & Fed programme, which also provides a healthy meal for pupils.”
He also commended the club’s walking football sessions, which have helped make the sport more accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
“I know the real difference access to sport can have for communities, and Haverfordwest County are making an amazing impact in our county,” he said.
“So, I was delighted that the minister could join me in applauding Haverfordwest County and wishing them luck for the rest of the season.”
S4C have selected the JD Cymru Premier fixture between Haverfordwest County and Penybont for live broadcast on Friday 21 March (KO 19:45).
With a second-place finish potentially enough to earn European qualification, the game at Ogi Bridge Meadow – available to watch on S4C Clic and Sgorio’s online platforms and your smart TV – could prove crucial to both sides’ ambitions this season.
Penybont currently sit second in the JD Cymru Premier but have picked up just one point from four games in Phase Two so far, which has allowed third-place Haverfordwest to move just three points behind them with two wins and two draws since the split.
Two of the three league games between the two sides so far this season have ended goalless, while Penybont won 1-0 in the league in December and by the same scoreline in the Nathaniel MG Cup in September.
Upcoming JD Cymru Premier televised fixtures:
- The New Saints v Haverfordwest County – Saturday 8 March, 12:15 (Online)
- Briton Ferry Llansawel v Newtown – Tuesday 11 March, 19:45 (Online)
- Haverfordwest County v Penybont – Friday 21 March, 19:45 (Online)
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