Played for Newport RFC 1930-31 to 1936-37. Made his debut at 19years old, ex-Newport High School (3 Welsh Schools caps). Newport captain 1935-36 and 1936-37 including vs New Zealand on 31st October 1935 (Lost 5 v 15)(1c). Helped mould Newports young forwards into a formidabale pack - rewarded with Welsh captaincy on debut and his only cap vs England (Lost 0 v 9). Barbarian.

Killed in action during World War II in North Africa whilst serving as Lieutenant with the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment A.A.C. and buried at Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Tunisia.

A tribute to John Evans was published in the match programme for Newport v New Zealand Army on 29th December 1945 as shown above.