To paraphrase the initials of a well known past Scottish international and Walker Cup golfer Max "right down the middle "Evans

Max gets into the swing of things
It's been an eventful couple of years for Max Evans
Two years ago, Glasgow's Max Evans was a professional golfer in Portugal.
On Saturday, the Warrior could complete a remarkable transformation to Test match star after being named on the bench for Scotland's final autumn international against Canada.

Max began his career in rugby but a back injury in 2004 appeared to have curtailed his career.

But after two years outside the professional game, he decided to undergo the physiotherapy he needed to make a comeback.

The stocky centre has not looked back since and has enjoyed such a promising start to the current season that head coach Frank Hadden is ready to give him his big chance at Pittodrie.

"It would be excellent," the 25-year-old told Sporting Life. "If I get the ball in a bit of space, that's what I look forward to, that's what I thrive on.

"So whether I come on at 13 or have to slip onto the wing or wherever, I just can't wait to get that chance."

Max has been in and around the senior squad before but it was his scintillating performance for Scotland A in Friday night's demolition of Georgia that ultimately got him the nod.

His performance at his home ground of Firhill included a breathtaking solo try and Max admits he has watched a video of the touchdown more than once.

"It looked easier than it felt when I actually scored it," he said. "It didn't look that hard to get to the tryline but it was quite difficult at the time!"

In rugby terms, Max has been living in the shadow of younger brother Thom, who made his Scotland debut during the summer tour to Argentina and retained his place for the two autumn Tests against New Zealand and South Africa.

But the wing has been left out of Saturday's team after suffering an injury against the Springboks.

"It's a shame Thom's not involved this weekend but I'm sure there'll come a day when we'll play together," said Max, who is looking forward to his brother having to watch him for a change.

He said: "It's been two trips for me to watch him. It's been great watching him but any rugby player you talk to doesn't really enjoying watching a game you could be part of because you just want to be a part of it so badly.

"So it will be a bit of a role reversal for him coming to watch me this time."

Max, who was a scratch golfer at his peak, revealed he plays off a four or five handicap now.

He may return to the game after hanging up his boots and is still an avid fan.

Indeed, on a recent visit to the venue for Saturday's match, he was captivated by some of the sights along the way.

"I got the train from Glasgow to Aberdeen and there was a golf course right on the side," he said.

"I also got to go past Carnoustie. I've seen that a million times on TV."

Max admits he would prefer his debut to come at Murrayfield but is happy to pull on the Scotland jersey anywhere.

"Obviously, it would be great to play at Murrayfield for the first cap but I'm just so thrilled and honoured to be involved in any form of national game," he said.

This article was originally posted on 19-Nov-2008, 11:34 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 19-Nov-2008, 11:47.