Thom Evans seeks to emulate Ming Campbell as he sets ambitions on the 2012 Olympics--Ming went to the 1964 Games in Tokyo
If Thom succeeds it would make him the third great sprinter out of Hughenden following Robin Murdoch and Ming Campbell

THE HERALD REPORTS
Talented winger Evans could look to Olympics if rugby career stallsKEVIN FERRIE, Chief Rugby Writer June 01 2007
Thom Evans, the Glasgow Warriors winger, will make his second Scotland A appearance at Twickenham today, but he has admitted he could switch sports to bid for Olympic glory.

The immensely talented 22-year-old, who also had a spell as a boy band member and is a scratch golfer, ran the 200 metres at the England Schools Championships and, at the end of an interview conducted by his famous cousin Chris on Wednesday, the Radio Two presenter declared that Thom was planning to train for the 2012 Olympics.

Following his selection for the Scotland A side contesting tomorrow's Barclay's Churchill Cup third-place play-off against Ireland A tomorrow, Thom, who played under-21 rugby for England last year, rated the prospect remote, though.

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"It running at schools level is an idea I had at the time and it was a possibility if my rugby did not work out, but I am really enjoying my rugby at the moment so it is not a high chance," he said.

Part of the reason the relatives were reunited on air was that Thom and his equally gifted older brother, Max, a qualified professional golfer who recently signed for Glasgow Warriors, will complete a unique sibling double tomorrow by playing simultaneously at two national stadiums. Max is representing Scotland in the Emirates Sevens tournament at Murrayfield.

Both have the potential to win full international honours and Thom has the lead in that race since Scotland A are under close scrutiny from the national team management who will finalise their World Cup development squad next week.

In seeking to finish the competition with a flourish, Frank Hadden, Scotland's head coach, has gone for slightly more stability after ringing the changes following the opening match.

Donny Macfadyen captains the team at openside flanker again and the same back five as started against England Saxons on Monday have been selected, while Craig Smith switches sides to his preferred slot at tighthead prop.

There are enforced changes behind the scrum with the injured Rory Lamont and Robbie Kydd replaced by Simon Danielli and Calum MacRae respectively, while Rob Chrystie gets his first chance to start at scrum-half.

Scotland's management team will also be keeping an eye on the Maori team, the defending Churchill Cup holders, who start favourites in the final against England Saxons. The Maoris contain two players currently qualified for Scotland under the grandparent rule, stand-off Callum Bruce and prop Keith Cameron.

In particular Bruce, a 23-year-old who has played Super 14 rugby with Otago Highlanders has looked a class act in the course of the tournament so far in a position where Scotland need additional strength, but Hadden's policy is to let dual-qualified players show their commitment before considering them for selection.

"There is no doubt we are interested in anybody who is qualified to play for Scotland and we will assist them if they want to pursue a genuine goal of playing for Scotland," said the coach.

This article was originally posted on 1-Jun-2007, 07:04 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 1-Jun-2007, 07:08.