Wales prop Ben Evans hopes to build a future career as a crane supervisor thanks to a grant from a Rugby League charity.
The 27-year-old Toulouse Olympique forward has been given the grant by the Rugby League Cares.
Former Warrington and London player Evans said he pressed ahead with his plans to work in the construction industry due to the impact of COVID-19.
“I’ve been undecided about what I want to do next for years but then a mate suggested I take this route,” said Evans, a member of Wales’ elite train-on squad for next year’s Rugby League World Cup.
We're proud to be playing our part helping frontline workers tackle the challenge of staying healthy during #COVID19. @YourSSE @ComIntCare @TheRFL @SuperLeague @RLWC2021 https://t.co/dwVuwuTmbA
— RL Cares (@RLCares) October 5, 2020
“There is always going to be work for the construction industry and this is very much a career for life.
“It’s also a similar environment to being a player, because you’re part of a team and need to work with other people.
“I don’t think I could sit behind a desk for the rest of my life once I stop playing rugby.”
“Rugby League Cares have been great, the process of applying for a grant could not have been easier and the advice I got from their career coach Julie Measures was very helpful.”
Evans joined Warrington’s academy after his family moved north from Bridgend, then helped the Broncos gain promotion to Super League via the Million Pound Game.
He made 43 appearances in two seasons at the club before moving to France last year also representing Wales at the European Championships.
*Rugby League Cares is a charity that touches upon the lives of people involved at every level of the sport, from junior clubs to current and former players. Their mission is to enhance and enrich people’s lives through the power and positive influence of Rugby League. They work hard to ensure the sport’s most important stakeholders, its playing community, get the most out of their involvement in the game, both during their careers and post-retirement.