Fresh from being awarded the bronze medal match at Australia’s Commonwealth Games, Evans is rapidly establishing himself as one of the rising stars on the sevens circuit and is proving a man in demand.
As well as becoming a regular on the World Sevens series, he refereed the Anglo-Welsh Cup final between Bath and Exeter at Kingsholm last month and will be in charge of the British & Irish Cup final between Ealing Trailfinders and Leinster A on May 12 at Trailfinders Sports Ground.
Despite his recent successes, Evans took nothing for granted as he waited anxiously for news of his World Cup inclusion.
“The referees for the Rugby World Cup (RWC) found out about their selection after the Gold Medal match in the Commonwealth Games. It was a pretty nerve racking two minutes in the changing rooms before the names were announced for obvious reasons but to hear my name as part of the group going, left me speechless and excited for what is yet another big tournament I’ll get to experience and remember for the rest of my life.
“I still don’t think it’s fully sunk in what’s about to happen in less than 100 days,” he said from Singapore, where he will be officiating in the eighth round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series this weekend.
The sevens World Cup will be held on July 20-22 and Evans is already counting down the days for the tournament to kick off.
“I feel this is without doubt another special moment in my career, to be selected for such prestigious tournaments is incredible, but to experience both the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup in one season is pretty significant.
“I’m extremely grateful for the support I get off everyone to make this possible and I will 100% make the most of the opportunities. This season has been a bit of a whirlwind for me because on top of those two tournaments I made my debut in the Pro14 and got appointed to the Anglo-Welsh Cup final. Special season to say the least!
“I was aware when I started my journey on the sevens circuit in 2016 that there was a Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2018 and after enjoying every second of my first sevens season I set my sights on those two tournaments this year.
“I told myself I will do whatever it takes to put myself in contention for those events and it’s very pleasing to say now that I’ve been able to achieve that, all the hard work and determination I’ve shown has without doubt been worth it. Now that I’ve been selected for these my next aim will now be the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, that’s the next focus for me and target I hope to achieve.”
World Rugby’s High Performance Sevens Referees Manager Paddy O’Brien said: “The Rugby World Cup Sevens only comes around once in every four years and is a major highlight of the rugby sevens calendar. Just like the players, our team of highly experienced match officials are preparing themselves both mentally and physically, ready to play their part in what is destined to be an outstanding showcase of rugby sevens in an iconic venue.”
