Evans who is originally from Risca, has became one of the first coaches to receive the award for his work in the Oxford area.
He move to the area to take up a post at Littlemore Grammar School, where he introduced rugby and founded the Littlemore Rugby Club. He went onto coach Oxford University and guided Chinnor into the National League.
He still coaches at the Under 15’s at Chinnor and acts as a mentor to the RFU development officers.
In recent years he has helped to spread the rugby gospel by visiting than 20 countries – including Malaysia, USA, Guam and China – where he ran courses for players and coaches. He also has a role in the Oxford University Academy and Under 21 team.
“This award has come as a bit of a shock. You don’t expect something like this – it normally goes to top sportsmen like Sir Steve Redgrave,” said Evans.
“When I saw Pierre Villepreux (former French full-back) take a coaching session it really was a defining moment in my coaching career. That year I went to Toulouse and stayed with Pierre for a week.
“I started getting insight into their coaching methods, which is a link I have had ever since. The other big influence was Chalky White, a very respected Leicester coach.
“He was massively supportive, like a mentor. He was looking at the detail and Villepreux would give you the big picture.”
Gary Henderson, the RFU’s coach development manager, paid tribute to Evans after presenting him with his much-deserved award.
“It’s a very special award which goes to coaches who have made a huge difference to people in rugby,” explained Henderson.
“Following his meeting with Pierre Villepreux, Lynn worked to develop playing technique and was very innovative. For the last 10 to 15 years, he has worked to raise the standard of coaching.”
