Thom Evans was back at Murrayfield for the autumn Test against New Zealand

Former Scotland international Thom Evans has told BBC Scotland he was emotional watching last weekend's Six Nations opener against France.

Evans was forced to retire from the game last year after suffering a serious neck injury against Wales.

"There was a lot of emotion watching the game, because of the atmosphere and picturing myself there two years ago with my brother," said Evans.

"It was quite emotional for me, and I'm sure this week will be even more so."

Evans had surgery on his neck after being stretchered off the pitch in a match against Wales in last year's Six Nations and the same surgeons who performed the first operation carried out a second procedure.

It's great to watch the matches from California, because it makes me realise how lucky I was to play at that level and on that stage Max Evans

He made a full recovery and is now living in California, where he is pursuing a career in acting and helping out with the UCLA rugby team.

"It's great to watch the matches from California, because it makes me realise how lucky I was to play at that level and on that stage," Evans told BBC Radio Scotland's Sport Nation programme. "It's great to keep in touch with it."

Scotland opened their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris, but lost 34-21, although Evans felt the national team demonstrated encouraging progress.

He admits he misses lining up for Scotland, but recognises that the risks outweigh the benefits and is content to help out with coaching in Los Angeles.

Evans struts his stuff on the catwalk in New York

"I thought last week, the boys played some great rugby, even though one or two turnovers really cost them," said Evans.

"My body is great now, I've been continuing the athletics and that, for me, is the hardest part of it all - because I'm in such good shape now and I've made a good recovery that I feel there's a possibility that I could come back.

"But I've been told by a few specialists that it's just not possible. I'm not going to get too worked up about it and get on with it.

"I played my first touch game with UCLA rugby team the other day, and it was great to offer some coaching tips to them. It was great to get out and throw a ball around, so I'm loving it out here.

"The weather is amazing - I'm out here for three months, but I'm not sure what will happen after that, I'll wait and see how things go."

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