Evans, training off his own back on the cabbage patch in the week, can’t wait to get back and start the remaining pre-season schedule for the Dragons’ next campaign, “It’s (pre-season) a very important part of the season for any player. It’s a steady integration back for the actual rugby, but also for the conditioning side. I’ve struggled in the past with having a good pre-season because of injuries, so that shows how important it is to start with a bang come September.”
This year will see Evans and his teammates play under a new Director of Rugby at Rodney Parade. At his unveiling, Lyn Jones dubbed the Dragons “a sleeping giant of Welsh rugby”. Asked whether he agreed with these views, Evans stated with a smile, “Absolutely, Lyn has worked with us before and has seen the potential in some of the boys, and I think for a long time we’ve thought it ourselves. We’ve failed to achieve what we should have and I think with the right coaching, a bit of experience in the players and just a bit of positive thinking we can go in the right direction.”
With the Dragons finishing last season in a disappointing 11th place, just one from bottom, the club obviously under-achieved. However, with a new season just on the horizon, Evans vowed that the players will train hard to change things around, “It was really disappointing last year because we did start off with a lot of promise. I think this year we’ve got a new coach in, we’ve got some new players, experienced internationals, coming to our side, the likes of Richie Rees, Kris Burton and Talei at 8, so we’ve got a lot of potential coming in there. With the strong base from last year, with Lyn and Kingsley’s influence, we should be challenging the bigger sides and getting some more wins at home at least.”
The Dragons will begin the new season with somewhat of a belated re-jig occurring at Rodney Parade, and Evans believes that can inspire the team to great things in the future, “Yeah, there has been lots of change and it’s about time as well. I think not just player-wise or coaching-wise, but also facilities-wise. Everything is coming along, it has taken a while, but the future is bright at the moment.”
He also joked that a few players may be occupying two sports next year, “They’ve flattened the bowls common which is nice, and we’ve used the indoor track; our bowls is coming on well, so a few of us will be professional bowls players soon!”
Never resting on his laurels, last season’s captain admitted that he’s not yet satisfied with all the aspects of his game and is way off a complete player, “I think there are plenty of aspects to improve, hence why I’m still not an international. I’d like to think I can play all three positions, but maybe nailing one position down would be important. I’d like to think my tackling is good - not quite Danny Lydiate, but it’s good. I’d like to think my contact area is pretty good as well, but the biggest factor of my game to work on would be the ball-carrying. Having Toby (Faletau) alongside me, being the best ball-carrier in Britain right now, is certainly something to aim for and to aspire to – maybe I should copy some of his moves!”
As last season’s disappointing campaign offered little enthusiasm for the home crowd, Evans believes the fans can expect a reinvigorated and optimistic squad this time around, “The fans can at least expect a more competitive side, a more aggressive side, a more determined side and definitely a better rugby-playing side. So far in pre-season, we’ve been doing lots of conditioning and strength activities, but we’ve been concentrating a lot on rugby-playing – just improving the individual. If you’ve got 15 individuals who are playing better, then the team is going to play better. I think you’re going to see a much more competitive side at home and away.”
With several members of Lewis Evans’ teammates away with international squads, he is keeping a close eye on former teammate Lydiate and fellow Dragon Faletau, who are both away on tour with the Lions, “I’ve been watching the last couple of tests and I’ve been getting some ‘Snapchats’ and messages off ‘Lyds’ (Danny Lydiate) and Toby (Faletau), it looks like they’re having a good time over there as well. Obviously, it’s fantastic to see Dan (Lydiate) doing so well, to captain the Lions is unbelievable, and it is about time Toby (Faletau) had his start in the test team this Saturday. We’ll all be rooting massively for them and the Welsh boys in general because I think they are the boys who have done the best on the tour so far.”
With the British and Irish Lions a hot-topic for British rugby at the moment, Evans was questioned on whether he dreams of lining up for the Lions himself one day. However, it is clear that he first wants to concentrate on Wales, “I’m a bit of an old man now, I’m 25, and I’m getting on a bit!” he laughed, “That is my ultimate aim, though, yes. I think any player who wants to aspire to the best they can be has got to aim for the British Lions, but small steps first. I’m a regular now for the Dragons, captain last year, and I’d like to play for Wales first. Once I get there, and nail a jersey there, then I can certainly hope for the Lions. It’s going to be tough this year for the Dragons, let alone Wales, for myself. But with a bit of luck with injuries, and by all means if I start playing well, we’ll see how it goes.”
