Harlequins' Nick Evans out for 'weeks not months'

Harlequins fly-half Nick Evans is likely to be out for "weeks rather than months" despite limping away from the 40-13 Heineken Cup victory over Biarritz on crutches.

Evans hurt his ankle and had to be replaced after 17 minutes.

Quins director of rugby Conor O'Shea said: "There's no break but there's a little bit of damage.

"He won't be available to play against Connacht next Saturday, but it will be weeks rather than months."

Evans' replacement Ben Botica - the 23-year-old son of rugby league legend Frano Botica - gave a stylish display, kicking 18 points and playing a full part in a dominant second-half display.

Quins were 13-13 at the interval but scored 27 unanswered points after the break to claim a bonus-point win

"The players were so positive at half-time and that was good," O'Shea said. "We kept on trying to play and we knew the scores would come.

"I'm absolutely delighted with the response because last week against Exeter [43-28 defeat] we learned you have to work hard in every minute of every game."

And O'Shea was also quick to praise both Botica and number eight Nick Easter.

"Ben's goal-kicking is pretty special," O'Shea added. "He ran the game really well and attacked the line.

"It was the biggest match he's ever played in, so his performance was a massive, massive plus. Ben was outstanding.

"Nick is absolutely magnificent and he will keep on knocking until someone answers. It's great for us but Nick is ambitious and is desperate to play for England."