Neil Jenkins last night paid tribute to his fellow Welsh rugby record breaker Ieuan Evans, who has retired from the game. Winger Evans has quit two months short of the expiry of his two-year contract with Bath. The 35-year-old won a record 72 caps, led his country a record 28 times and scored a Wales Test best 33 tries. He also went on three Lions' tours in 1989, 1993 and 1997.

Jenkins, record Welsh international points scorer who is set to pass Evans' landmark within the next year or so, saluted his former team-mate: "Ieuan is one of the finest players Wales has ever produced." Evans quit international rugby just over a year ago, and had hoped to end his career by enjoying a successful conclusion with Bath, but injuries did not allow it.

He joined Bath from Llanelli in August 1997, and helped his new club win the European Cup last season. But since that balmy afternoon in Bordeaux, Evans has struggled, the latest problem being a stress fracture in his foot.

Rory Underwood, a long-standing rival of Evans in Anglo-Welsh matches but a colleague on Lions tours, said: "It's a great shame for Ieuan to have to quit now. He was clearly one of the great players of our generation.

"He had one of the deadliest side-steps - like Gerald Davies. There is no higher praise. English and Welsh rugby loses an entertainer and a gentleman on the playing side.

"As the wings on the Lions' tours of 1989 and 1993 we roomed together frequently. There was no arrogance about Ieuan. He had complete respect for opponents. We are from the old breed who played as hard as possible before mingling amicably after the match."