Long-serving Newcastle Thunder hooker Evan Simons is switching to Workington Town for the 2022 season.
The former Widnes Vikings junior has spent the last seven years with the North East club but has now joined newly promoted Town.
Although he learnt the trade at Widnes as a youngster it was the English Universities that first propelled him to stardom as he was player of the tournament when they won the Four Nations title in 2011.
He spent time in the semi-professional ranks with both London Skolars and Hemel Stags, picking up Player of the Year in 2013 with the latter.
It was after some outstanding performances against Newcastle over those two years that he joined Thunder in 2015 and it’s been a successful partnership on Tyneside.
He has proved an aggressive man-on-man defensive player and a consistent try scorer with his trademark darts from dummy half.
Simons, 29, made 21 appearances and scored eight tries in his debut year but his most potent season in Thunder colours came the following season when he scored 16 tries in 21 appearances.
Aligning with a club that shared his ambition to play at the highest level possible, Simons continually re-signed with Thunder as he resolved to step up to Championship rugby by earning promotion for the north east club.
He achieved that ambition in 2021 after the club were elevated to the second tier and went on to play in all but one game, as Thunder graced the division for the first time since 2009.
Having acquitted himself admirably in the competition both player and club had fully intended to continue their association into 2022’s new full-time era, however the demands of Simons’ work away from the field prevented that from happening.
Making his final appearance at Kingston Park Stadium against Toulouse Olympique, Simons brought down the curtain on his time in the north east with a total of 122 appearances, 45 tries and a place firmly etched into the club’s history.
Speaking on his exit, Simons said: “I’d like to thank everyone at the club who I’ve crossed paths with since 2015 and I’m very proud of playing a small part in the growth of Newcastle Thunder and I’ve made connections and friendships for life.
“I wish all the players coaches and staff going forward nothing but the best for next seasons and future. I’m leaving with a heavy heart but I believe it’s the best thing for me.”
Thunder general manager Jordan Robinson said: “It feels like the end of an era with Evan and I both arriving at the club at the same time and I think I speak for everyone when I say we’re sad to see Evan go.
“He has given his all for the club in the seven years he has been here and has fully embraced its culture as have his family, who are full members of the Thunder family and have been near ever-present attendees at games supporting Evan and the team.
“We have discussed at length ways to try and keep him with us for 2022 but ultimately, they haven’t been able to offer circumstances that work for Ev.
“Everyone at Thunder wish him well for his next move, except when he faces us in opposition and will always roll out the welcome mat when he wants to come along to the club in the future.”
Simons tweeted after his Town move had been announced: “Buzzing to sign for Workington Town for the year. Excited to meet the lads next week and I’m really looking forward to adding to a tight-knit group.”
