Twickenham date for proud Evans

Alan Evans' home is full of rugby memorabilia

A disabled Oswestry man is to receive a special award from the Rugby Football Union for his coaching work.

Alan Evans, 50, was seriously injured playing for his home-town club in 1991 but never lost his love for the game.

RFU chairman John Owen will present the award at half time of England's game with Argentina at Twickenham.

"I'm proud to have achieved my level one coaching badge and to to be asked to Twickenham is certainly exciting," Evans told BBC Radio Shropshire.

Evans was left a tetraplegic after his spine was compressed playing for Oswestry against Bourneville in 1991.

He later continued his playing career with the Birmingham Bandits wheelchair rugby side, while working to qualify as a coach.

Spells in hospital meant it took three years for him to gain his level one coaching badge, but that makes his pride even fiercer.

"It's something I've wanted to do for a long time," he said.

Evans has also raised money for the Spinal Unit at Oswestry's Orthopaedic Hospital by completing a parachute jump, and his determination, as well as his coaching, has led the RFU to reward him for his courage as well as his rugby achievements.