FOR all the big name summer signings that have been bandied about, it is going to take some player to replace the irreplaceable.

In four years of watching Worcester Rugby Club, there is one name that would always be first on my team sheet. Christian Evans.

The 33-year-old flanker has once again enjoyed another ultra-consistent campaign at Sixways but, when the season ends a week on Saturday, he will call it a day.

Family commitments and a persistent back problem have made up his mind but it is cruel timing for the former Bristol man who would love another shot at the Premiership.

"Ultimately, my hands were tied because my parents want to retire from their property management business and I owe it to them to take over now," he said.

"I've also had this back injury for a while and I have to take anti-inflammatory tablets every day now.

"It's not going to get any better if I carry on playing and that's part of the decision as well because, obviously in the Premiership, the hits are a lot harder. I don't want to be addicted to pain killers in the future.

"The hardest thing for me, though, is that I know I could play in the Premiership again and that's what's made it such a tough decision. I spoke to John Brain (Worcester's director of rugby) in the middle of the season and he told me that he wanted me on board.

"As the season went on it became clear that I would have to retire and, all credit to him, before I made that decision he said again that he wanted to know what my plans were before he began recruiting.

"That was great to know that John had so much faith in me and it made me think again. However, I owe it to my parents to let them retire and that had to be my final decision."

Evans, who moved to Sixways in June 2000, has shone like a beacon in a variety of Worcester teams over the past four years. In that time, his levels of consistency on a match-by-match basis remain unparalleled. It is that key component that Worcester will find hard to restore when they face their Premiership baptism of fire.

"I think they will do well next season," he said. "They will surprise a few people because some teams will take them too lightly. If Worcester can bring in a few quality signings and continue the continuity then I think they will survive.

"What I hope is that the core of the squad are kept on. They deserve their chance because this season has been a phenomenal achievement."

The former Wales A man is already excited at the prospect of next season but admits it is somewhat bitter-sweet.

"I love Worcester, the club, the city and the people," he said. "I would have loved to have been a part of it next season but I have to think of the family and my body.

"When I told my mother, she broke down in tears of joy. She doesn't want me getting hurt anymore and, because of the way I play, that's what tends to happen.

"If I play on, I'll just do more damage to myself and I think this is the right decision for me and my family. Even talking about it, though, makes me want to play on next season! It's been the hardest decision of my life."

The hardest decision now for Worcester is to find a replacement because, despite the back row being predominantly a young man's game within the Premiership, that x-factor of consistency is one not to be underestimated.

As Evans walks away, no-one is ever likely to underestimate his contribution to Worcester.