A RUGBY-MAD cyclist has raised hundreds of pounds for injured Welsh players after taking on a gruelling trek across New Zealand.

Evan Davies, 30, who has family in Newport, followed the Wales tour of New Zealand - on his bike - raising over £600 for the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust (WRCT).

His chosen charity was established 40 years ago and provides help to players who sustained serious injuries playing rugby, providing home adaptations, hoists, wheelchairs and specially adapted vehicles.

It currently supports 35 injured rugby players on a long term basis, with the aim of “restoring their independence”.

Cycling solo, the rugby fan was aiming to travel around 1,100 miles a day for 13 days, on a Kona Rove AL bike nicknamed “Kona the Barbarian”.

Setting off from Auckland’s Eden Park, Mr Davies snaked through New Zealand landscape to Wellington’s Westpac Stadium before finishing at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr on the South Island.

“I actually did over 15,000 miles of climbing on the bike - the equivalent of cycling up Snowdon 15 times,” he said.

“Support from the general public of Wales has been great and I have received a number of donations from people I don't know as well as friends and family.”

Mr Davies was supported on his charity ride by a team who helped plan a safe route and design a fundraising website, alongside support from the Wales Rugby Union.

Although the ride included several “horrendous days”, Mr Davies said his belief in WRCT pushed him through.

“They also provide more simple forms of support such a train fare for one lady to go and see her son in Sheffield after he suffered a serious injury playing for his school," he added.

"It is this that compels me to their cause. They don't just support people in difficult circumstances but help make simple changes to the people of Wales’s lives.

“For me it’s a great example of how all sports teams and nations should support players of all levels in these circumstances.”

Dr Arun Midha, of Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Evan for contacting us to explore the possibility of raising funds for the charity in such a original way.

“To cycle across the length of New Zealand to each of the stadiums where Wales have been playing New Zealand has been a remarkable feat. The money raised will make a significant difference.”

The WRCT was established 40 years ago and provides help to players who sustained serious injuries playing rugby, providing home adaptations, hoists, wheelchairs and specially adapted vehicles.

For more information visit www.wrct.org.uk

To support Evan Davies, visit:www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walesonwheels