Evans is one of 14 match officials representing nine nations who have been selected by World Rugby for the showcase event.
Evans was last seen on home soil when in charge of the WRU Cup semi-final between Ebbw Vale and Merthyr held at Pandy Park in what can only be described as less than tropical conditions.
Fast forward a week and he is now on the other side of the world, getting in his final preparation for what he has described as a ‘big’ weekend ahead.
“Settling in hasn’t been that easy so far, jet lag has been awful, but I expected that for the first few nights. For example, I’ve been awake since 3:45am this morning with no chance of me drifting back off.
“Training was tough for the first couple of days for many reasons – No.1 being the 25-hour travel to get here and No.2 being the jet lag and 4am wake up this morning.”
Evans, along with the other officials, have undergone two fitness sessions since arriving in Australia and have a gym session to look forward to tomorrow to ‘get their bodies switched on and ready for a big weekend.’
“I really, really can’t wait to get started, the Gold Coast is a special place, and everybody has totally embraced the games. The buzz around the Commonwealth Games is incredible.
“This will be a new experience for me but an opportunity I’m really excited for, something I’ll always remember. I can’t wait to get started on Saturday.”
Evans’ first game is between hosts Australia who take on Jamaica while his last game of the day could be a possible pool decider between New Zealand and Canada.
WRU National Referee Performance manager, Paul Adam, said: “I’m really pleased to have Welsh representation at the Commonwealth Games. Craig has been refereeing on the Sevens circuit for two years and has established himself as one of the best sevens referees around.
“On the World Series he has matured as a referee and made some big decisions along the way and I have no doubt the Commonwealth Games will add to his rugby maturity.”
World Rugby’s High Performance Sevens referees manager Paddy O’Brien said: “The Commonwealth Games is a major target for players and match officials alike. Our team have been preparing hard for the Gold Coast and they are looking forward to being a part of what will be a landmark sevens occasion, featuring the first women’s competition.”
