News

Back surgery for Evans

August 11 2009

New Zealand second row Bryn Evans is poised to undergo surgery on his back and will be sidelined from rugby for the foreseeable future.

The 24-year-old was forced to withdraw from the Hawke's Bay team for their Air New Zealand Cup match against Wellington on Saturday after suffering back pain while training last week.

All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said Evans had undergone a scan and seen a specialist this week and has suffered a small disc prolapse in his back that requires surgery. She said it was too early to tell just how long Evans would be out for.

"It's a case of him having his surgery and recovering from that first. Then he will go through his rehabilitation and we will take it from there," said Robinson.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said it was disappointing time for Evans, who made his Test debut this year coming off the bench in the two Tests against France this June.

"Bryn is an extremely skilful player and had been making great progress in the All Blacks environment and we will be supporting him as he goes through his rehabilitation," he said.