Bristol Rugby sign Welsh international Ian Evans

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Bristol Rugby’s recruitment for the 2014/15 Greene King IPA Championship campaign continues with the capture of lock Ian Evans from the Ospreys.

Evans had initially sealed a move to French Top 14 side Toulon this summer but the deal collapsed.

The British Irish Lion and Wales international becomes the Club’s fifteenth new addition to Bristol’ first team squad.

A hugely experienced second-rower, Evans made 129 appearances for the Ospreys since a debut in 2005.

The 29-year-old has earned thirty-two caps for Wales, winning two Grand Slams and appearing at the Rugby World Cup in 2007.

“Ian is a tough, physical second row who will be a valuable addition to our pack ahead of the new season,” Director of Rugby Andy Robinson told bristolrugby.co.uk.

“He’s a quality lineout operator and scrumager with a great attitude that you’d expect from an international player. He will complement our young locks and play an important role in developing them.”

An integral part of the Welsh set-up, Evans was rewarded for a string of impressive performances in 2013 with a place on the British Irish Lions’ tour to Australia.

He added: “The set-up and resources at Bristol Rugby is so professional – I’m really looking forward to the fresh challenge and getting started.

“I know a number of the players at the Club and they were very positive about the direction that Bristol Rugby is going.

“It was a straight-forward decision for me. It’s great to be part of one the most exciting projects in English rugby.”

Bristol Rugby sign Welsh international Ian Evans