FORMER pop pin-up Thom Evans has turned his back on a career in the record business to fight his way into the Wasps line-up.

The winger began his first game for the Wasps first team when they lost to Investec Stormers on Sunday after giving up being in the boy band Twen2y 4 se7en, which toured with stars like Westlife and Peter Andr.

Evans said: "I had a great time and fun with all the groupies but it's 100 per cent rugby now and Wasps are a great club.

"There was a bit of success and the rest of the band are still going on and doing well.

"It was tough because I had to give rugby up for a whole year to concentrate on the band which was really tough because the World Cup was on at the time.

"But I had a great time and I don't really regret it.

"It's makes me more hungry now and I'm really committed to rugby.

"I thought a year out was long enough to be out of the game."

And Evans showed why a career in rugby could be the right choice after a bright start against Stormers.

The winger made a couple of good runs and nearly scored a try when he sped down the right wing and chipped the covering defender, only to be tripped, with the foul causing Evans to go off with a foot injury.

Assistant coach Shaun Edwards said: "Our young winger did very well at the start until his unfortunate injury. He did some great things but unfortunately got tripped.

"He was the one that stood out."

Evans picked up a reoccurrence of the foot injury that kept him out of the game for seven weeks but he was glad just to be on the pitch.

He said: "It was tough out there, My fitness wasn't great because I've not been fit but I found it quite easy going after a while.

"I was slightly nervous but I love the Stormers and I think they're a great side so I was really up for the game.

"I wish I could have stayed on longer."

But Evans has got major difficulties in trying to win a first-team place. Wasps have Josh Lewsey, Tom Voyce, Edd Thrower and Michael Roberts ahead of him in the pecking order, with wingers Paul Sackey and Joseph Mbu also fighting for a place after joining the club this week.

Evans said: "It's good to pit yourself against them and Josh Lewsey and Tom Voyce are great wingers. It's good to aspire to be like them. I train with them and learn from them.

"Hopefully, I can get my injuries sorted and play more rugby."