Shawnigan Alum to Play Rugby with Europe's Best!

Shawnigan alumnus Matt Evans '06 has signed a contract to play rugby with the Newport-Gwent Dragons of the Mangers League next season!

Evans, a member of Ripley's House and captain of the 1st XV in 2006, has spent the past few seasons training with and playing for Hartpury College's elite Rugby Academy in Gloucestershire, England. He has represented Canada at various age-grade levels and debuted for the Canadian National Team in October of 2008 against Wales. Matt has gone on to represent Canada in nine internationals, recording three tries in the process, most recently scoring in Canada's 48-6 victory over Uruguay in the opening match of the 2010 Churchill Cup.

Equally comfortable at fly-half and fullback, Matt will provide much needed cover at both positions for the Dragons, who will be looking to build on a seventh place finish last year in hopes of qualifying for postseason play in 2011. Matt will also be focusing on improving his play as he builds toward the 2011 Rugby World Cup, a competition in which he figures to feature prominently for the Canadian side.

Congratulations to Matt - we look forward to following you next season and beyond!

- Ryan Panton '97