Evans, 35, had to retire from rugby at the age of 24 after suffering a serious neck injury playing for Scotland against Wales in Cardiff.

This week Evans reflects on the highs and lows of his career north of the border, as well as talking about the reality TV shows he has competed in since hanging up his boots.

The former Warrior, who now dates Nicole Scherzinger, talks about his run-in with Louis Walsh and playing rugby alongside his brother Max for both Scotland and Glasgow Warriors.

“It’s something we’d always dreamed of at school [playing for Scotland with his brother Max], but it’s one thing dreaming about it and when it actually comes about and we’re standing at the Stade de France about to take on the French, side-by-side it’s a moment I’ll never forget. We had the whole family there, our closest friends had made the flight over and it was just a moment where all the hard work and sacrifices made it all worth it. I’m only sad our grandad wasn’t there to see it, but I know he was somewhere looking down.” – Thom Evans

Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby Development Sheila Begbie also provides an update on the Club Hardship Fund, following the announcement that 82 clubs have benefited from an award, with almost £400,000 allocated from an initial fund of £500,000.

Listen to the full episode below:

If you enjoy this week’s episode or if you have enjoyed past episodes please provide us with a rating or leave us a review on your preferred podcast platform.

The Scottish Rugby Official Podcast can be downloaded from PodBean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast, and you can subscribe to get it downloaded automatically to your device each time an episode is released.

Tune in to The Official Scottish Rugby Podcast next week for more exclusive behind the scenes interviews and information, news and discussion from the home of Scottish Rugby.