Brother Thom is missing link for Evans in New Zealand

The Castres back, who will be 28 on 12 September, has spent much of his Scotland career playing alongside younger brother Thom Evans.

However, a neck injury suffered in the 2010 RBS Six Nations clash with Wales forced Thom to retire from rugby, aged 25.

Max has gone on to become a key figure in the Scotland side, his elusive running in broken play making him the closest player in style that Scotland have to Wales’ Shane Williams. But, as he prepares to take on Romania, Georgia, Argentina and England in World Cup Pool B, he will spare a thought for his younger sibling, who will be working as a television pundit in London.

Evans said: “It’s a proud moment. I know a lot of guys would love to be in my shoes. Heroes are born from World Cups – it’s something I have the chance to fulfil.

“Sadly he [Thom] won’t be able to be with us. It’s completely gutting.

“We’ve been together, even in the last four years – since the last World Cup – with the World Cup in the backs our minds.

“I’m glad he’s involved in the World Cup in some way with being in the ITV crew.

“I believe if we make the quarter-finals he’ll get shipped out to New Zealand, so it’s almost an added incentive if there wasn’t enough already.”

For Scotland to progress to the last eight as one of two teams from Pool B, they will need Evans firing on full cylinders.

Having put in a series of eye-catching performances in the Test arena and scored three tries in 20 appearances, Evans will move to the French Top 14 after the tournament following four years with Glasgow Warriors .

He impressed in the narrow Six Nations loss to England at Twickenham with a skilful score and made his return to competitive action in Scotland’s second warm-up match against Italy on 20 August.

An ankle injury ruled him out of the clash with Italy in March, while he had an elbow operation in the summer to clear up a long-standing complaint.

Refreshed and raring to go, he has been given licence to roam by Scotland head coach Andy Robinson.

Evans said: “Andy’s given me full rein to pop up wherever in the backline and the field.

“You’ll see me hopefully getting a lot of ball, taking people on, beating them and, hopefully, scoring a few tries.”