Browse Sections

• Stockport County FC
• Sale Sharks
• Local football
• Local cricket

Sharks’ remarks

27/ 9/2006

THE Welsh contingent at Edgeley Park was boosted this summer with the arrival of prop Ben Evans.

The 31-year-old joined Sharks from Cardiff Blues and with his 18 stone 10lb frame and jovial personality he is the new Big Friendly Giant of the front row.

"I'm always happy! Lionel Faure gives me a bit of stick because he can't understand that I'm happy all the time - but I'm living the dream!

"It's my 10th season playing professional rugby and I still wake up every day and am unbelievably grateful for how lucky I am.

"Coming to Sharks was my first big move away from Wales, I've bought an apartment and am settled.

"To begin with some of the fitness was tough but I feel in great shape now. There were no difficulties fitting into the squad, everyone is welcomed with open arms.

"It is such a cosmopolitan mix of players: French, Welsh, Argentinian, English, it's fantastic.

"It is testament to the coaches and players that after Friday's win against Saracens nobody was whooping or cheering, nobody was reading out the riot act - we had done our job but we know we can do better.

"Silverware is a measure of how successful a team has been over a season and winning the EDF Energy Cup (which begins on Friday) is one of the ways to do that.

"It is a great tournament which provides an opportunity for coaches to try out new combinations and some of the lads are hungry to do better."