Downs and Evans commit to Neath for next season

Nicky Downs and Lee Evans have committed to Neath for next season in an announcement that will delight supporters.

With the recent upheaval that saw coach Pat Horgan replaced by Neil Edwards following a disappointing season at The Gnoll, which ended in Swalec Cup final defeat to Pontypridd at the Millennium Stadium, supporters will be pleased two fans’ favourites have committed to the club.

Downs (26) and Evans (30) are the first to sign up for the new campaign, with Edwards saying: “We’re delighted that they’ve decided to stay with the club.

“Both had offers to go elsewhere but it shows that they’re hell-bent on helping Neath to rise up the Premiership next season. They’re staying for the right reasons in rebuilding Neath RFC. They’ve a great attitude [and] both have been with us a long time so it’s a great statement.”

He added of their performances over the last campaign: “Lee has been outstanding all season. He had a couple of small injury issues but had some fantastic games. The one I can remember well was when he came off the bench at Bridgend and turned the game around. Generally, he’s a [100-per-cent player]. He had a massive impact in our road to the Millennium Stadium this season and didn’t falter.

“Nicky has been a fan favourite for a number of years. Unfortunately, he had an operation on his knee this year which put him out for the latter half of the season, but he’s a proud Neath man and he wants to stay around to see this rebuilding process through and help Neath back to the top where we belong.”#

Downs played 16 times for the club this year, while Evans made 20 appearances.

The news follows that of Edwards appointing Llyr Lane as his number two, and 2005 Grand Slam winner Robin Sowden-Taylor arriving as the new strength and conditioning coach.