The phrase, “following in your father’s footsteps” takes on a whole new significance when your father is Welsh rugby legend, Ieuan Evans, and the Ospreys will be hoping that they’re similar in more than just name.
Cai Evans is said to be similar in personality to his famous dad off the pitch, and increasingly, he’s showing similarities on the pitch, too. The Ospreys will be glad to have him available, and gave him a first run out, as a replacement for Dafydd Howells in the 75th minute against Wasps in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, in the evening kick-off on Friday 10th November. The Ospreys lost 12-36, but there will surely be plenty more scope for Evans junior to make his mark. For a full match report, see Wales Online.
Rugby royalty
Ieuan Evans was rugby royalty in Wales, scoring 33 tries in total – a superb finisher. For Cai, growing up with rugby all around, there would have been plenty of inspiration. Still in his teens, Cai has a bright future ahead of him.
Cai will be no stranger to the rugby drill training video, having come up through the ranks with Bridgend RFC, and before that, Cowbridge Comprehensive School and Cowbridge RFC.
Cai Evans’s strengths
Although still early on in his career, Evans is developing into a skilled tactician, and he distributes the ball very well, key skills to being a successful fly half. To improve that part of your own game, see drills from specialist trainers like Sportplan. He passes well, and kicks the ball accurately, too, kicking 20 points against the South Africa Schools team.
Skills can be worked on, but Evans also has diligence and determination, and without those, success is going to be very difficult. Nevertheless, it is a big step from success at U18 level and succeeding at professional senior level.
Evans’s first taste of senior level came very late on in the game, but with the Ospreys keen to give some of their academy players more exposure at the higher level, it is only a matter of time before he has another chance at the top flight. Based on his attitude and success to date, it might not be all that long before Cai Evans gets a real opportunity to show just how like his father he is.