Matson delight as Evans confirms he’s staying at The Stoop

Tabai Matson spoke of his joy that attack coach Nick Evans will be staying at Harlequins despite England‘s attempt to lure the attack coach to Twickenham long term.

Matson gave his permission for Evans to join Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations campaign but insists the firm Stoop favourite will not be playing any further role in England’s World Cup build up or the tournament itself.

Asked whether Evans was remaining at the club, Matson said: “Yes! It’s great. If the same opportunity arose three months ago when we were travelling well in the league and I know what I know now in terms of our current position, I’d have said no.

“But he has come back with a vast array of knowledge and experiences and it will make him an even better coach. But, clearly, it cost us.

“Ultimately, we battled on without some top players and our best coach during the Six Nations.”

Falcons interim head coach Mark Laycock insisted: “We could not capitalise on them having a player in the sin bin. They scored some class tries and we had no answer at the end.

“We have to dust ourselves off because of a short turn around at home to Northampton on Friday.”