Team-mates dedicate victory to roof-fall rugby player

Apr 15 2008

Aled Evans

TEAM-MATES of a critically injured rugby star have dedicated their cup final victory to him and vowed to bring the trophy to his hospital bedside in Liverpool.

Builder and farmer Aled Evans, 29, of Rhydymain, near Dolgellau, in North Wales, was last night described as critical but stable as he was cared for at The Walton Centre, in Fazakerley.

He suffered a fractured skull after falling 25ft through a barn roof – forcing him to miss Chester Rugby Club’s historic EDF Energy Intermediate Cup triumph at Twickenham on Saturday.

Chester captain Simon Verbickas dedicated his side’s 21- 18 win over Birkenhead Park to his injured team-mate.

He said: “This victory is for Aled and we'll be taking the trophy to him as soon as we can.

“He's been part of the squad all season and we're a tight-knit group who work really hard together.”

The talented rugby player was set to play the game of his life as a flanker for the club against Birkenhead Park.