Grays rugby star Jim Evans has put two years of injury hell behind him and signed a new contract with top Zurich Premiership side Harlequins.

Jim, 22, has inked a two-year deal at The Stoop after finally getting an injury-free run in the first team this season.

The 6ft 6ins lock forward -- who joined Quins from Thurrock Rugby Club -- first made his debut in 2000.

But he then hardly played for two seasons after injuries meant both his shoulders had to be reconstructed through surgery.

"It's certainly a relief to be back playing and I'm pleased to have signed the new contract," he said.

"There's always doubts as to whether you will come back, but I always felt confident I would.

"I'd been a bit unlucky really because I injured a different shoulder two years on the trot. The second time was just before I jetted out with England under-21s to Australia a year and a half ago.

"I had worked hard to get back and earn my call-up -- then I got injured in the final training session before the team flew out.

"But I knew what to expect second time around and that helped me to knuckle down and get back over the six to eight months I was out."

Published Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo