Scotland win Thom Evans has been forced to retire from rugby after accepting medical advice that he could never rediscover the feats that made him an international star. The Scotsman's David Ferguson reports.
"The 25-year-old winger seriously damaged two vertebrae in an awkward collision with Lee Byrne in the international between Wales and Scotland at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. He was stretchered off the field in a neck brace and as the severity of his condition emerged it was reported that the on-field care by physios and Dr James Robson, the experienced Scottish medic, had played a significant role in ensuring he did not suffer permanent paralysis.
"Evans underwent an operation within hours of the game and was given the option of further surgery to stabilise his spine later in the week, but aware that this would severely limit his chances of returning to the athletic fitness and movement necessary to play again at the top level of international sport.
"In the four months since the operations, he has impressed family, friends and teammates with his desire and commitment to return to full health and while he still cannot sprint at the speeds with which he once shredded Test defences he has been walking and jogging for some time."
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