Alec Evans

Who is Alec Evans?

Alec Evans is an Australian former rugby union player and coach. Evans played for Queensland over 11 consecutive seasons from 1959 to 1969, including as captain, and in 1973 at the age of 34. Going from Souths first grade into the Queensland line-up in 1959 at age 20, Evans played a total of 62 games for his State. This record was unsurpassed until Queensland started playing teams from outside of Australia on a regular basis.

He won Wallabies selection when picked to tour New Zealand in 1962, but contracted glandular fever and did not get to play a game. A tough and loyal player, Evans left the field with a dislocated shoulder in the 1965 match against South Africa in Brisbane, only to return to finish it moments later with his arm strapped to his side.

On retiring from playing, he became a coach of international renown. As a coach he was credited as being the unsung hero of the 1984 Grand Slam Wallabies tour of the UK, the first Wallabies side to return with victories over all four home nations. He later became the first non-Welshman to coach Wales.