Bob played on ten occasions for Wales and in all six tests of the 1950 British Isles tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Born on February 16, 1921 at Rhymney, he died on April14, 2003 at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, at the age of 82.
He began his senior rugby career at Rhymney, but he left to join Newport, whom he skippered in 1951-52. He played in five ‘Victory’ internationals for Wales and also played for both Newport and Monmouthshire against the ‘Kiwis’, the powerful 2nd New Zealand Empire Forces, in 1945-46 with Monmouthshire gaining a famous victory in the match at Pontypool Park.
In his season as skipper, the South African ‘Springboks’ toured, but Evans had a bad calf injury in his club’s tenth match and not only missed the touring side for club and country, but was forced to retire from the game altogether.
He had joined the police force and become a most respected man in Gwent, finally retiring as a detective chief superintendent in 1976. For Newport RFC, he became chairman, selector and life member.
For Wales, he made his debut against France at Stade Colombes, Paris in 1947 and
in his next match against Ireland at Swansea, he scored the only try of a 6-0 win.
His third cap was not until Twickenham in 1950, when Wales defeated England by 11-5 for only their second win at rugby’s H.Q. in 40 years. He helped destroy Scotland’s backs at Cardiff and the Triple Crown was gained for the first time in 39 years when Ireland were beaten by 6-3 in Belfast, with the Championship being secured after a 21-0 success over France in Cardiff. In 1951 he again played in the four championship matches.
In 1950 he toured with the British Isles in New Zealand and Australia and played in all four tests in New Zealand, as well as in eight non-test matches, whilst on the shorter trip in Australia he appeared five times, including both tests.
His funeral will take place at 11.15am on Thursday, April 24, at St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny.
