Rugby Union: Wales keep Evans waiting

Rugby Union

ROBERT COLE

Alex Evans will coach Wales for their one-off match against South Africa in Johannesburg on 2 September, but last night was still in the dark as to his long- term future in Welsh rugby.

Evans, on holiday in his native Brisbane, returns to Cardiff next week and will miss the first meeting of a new selection panel comprising Geoff Evans, Derek Quinnell and JPR Williams. They will be charged with naming a 26-strong squad to travel to South Africa next month for a 14-day trip that will include matches against South-East Transvaal and the world champion Springboks.

Geoff Evans will continue to manage the side for the return trip to South Africa, and the Pontypridd coach, Dennis John, will act as assistant to Alex Evans.

The tough-talking Australian's hope for a bigger role in Welsh rugby is dependent on the International Rugby Board permitting paid coaches at next month's meeting in France.

Vernon Pugh, the WRU general committee chairman, is due to announce today that Wales will be creating two new posts - national coach and national coaching director. It has been suggested that Evans is in line for either position, but has yet to hear anything.

"I had been promised telephone calls this weekend, but I have heard nothing," he said yesterday. "I'm very keen to play a role in the future development of Welsh rugby, but not hearing officially about my appointment is a little bit shabby."

The return to the fold of JPR is an about-turn from his stance at the end of last season, when he resigned as an advisor to the selectors over policy. His resignation called into question the then Welsh management team of Robert Norster and Alan Davies.