Evans happy to turn down offers to stay on Parade (From Free Press Series)

Evans happy to turn down offers to stay on Parade

8:10am Thursday 14th February 2013 in Sport By Chris Kirwan

BRIGHT FUTURE: Dragons captain Lewis Evans has penned a new deal

DRAGONS v GLASGOW (Tomorrow, KO 7.05)

AFTER turning down some tempting offers in order to stay at Rodney Parade, Newport Gwent Dragons skipper Lewis Evans wants the region to take inspiration from tomorrow’s high-flying opponents.

The 25-year-old flanker rebuffed approaches to start afresh elsewhere when he penned a new two-year deal last week.

Evans is on the fringes of the Wales squad and has been closely watched by forwards coach Robin McBryde in recent months.

And his international prospects would be done no harm at all if the Dragons can fulfil the promise that led the captain to say no to some attractive proposals.

“It was nice to have offers from other places – it’s good to be noticed and have an ego boost I suppose,” said the back row forward.

“The temptations were there but after speaking with the other players and our management I could see that we are in a good place here.

“I am a Gwent boy and can see a lot of positives. With a few more good recruits, which I know they are working hard towards, I see no reason why we shouldn’t be like Glasgow and gun for that top four.

“A couple of years ago they were similar to us but their progression is light at the end of the tunnel and shows where we could go.

“They have recruited really well and have got a gameplan that they all believe in.

“I think that we have that potential – I believe in this squad and that we can make real progress.”

The Dragons can count on the support of the Ospreys and Scarlets as they bid to derail Glasgow’s RaboDirect Pro12 playoff push.

The Scottish side are second and involved in a tussle with the Welsh pair, Leinster and Munster behind runaway leaders Ulster.

But the Dragons are in fine spirits after three hard-earned successive victories.

“Winning does change the mindset and now it’s important that we keep our momentum going,” said Evans.

“The Ospreys, London Welsh and Treviso all made life difficult for us but it shows what we are capable of when we stick together and have collective belief.

“Glasgow may be missing some Scotland players but they have strength in depth and are really going to fancy this. We need to stay strong.”