VIDEO: Off the WhatsApp group and into the theatre

UPDATE: Evan Roos’ absence from the Springbok squad for the Australian leg of the Rugby Championship has caused quite a stir.

Most pundits have latched onto the theory that he was axed because of a lack of form.

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus was not going to reveal too many details, but said Roos ‘could be back’ later this year.

However, the popular loose forward revealed – in the latest episode of the Boks Office podcast with host Hanyani Shimange, as well as Springbok legends Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger – that there is another more pressing issue also at play.

He may have to undergo surgery to fix a longstanding ‘niggle’.

Roos said he is currently on a “gym programme” to stay fit.

The 24-year-old also confirmed that he has already been removed from the team’s internal WhatsApp group.

“It is quite cutthroat,” Roos quipped.

The loose forward revealed that the notice of his removal from the WhatsApp group arrived the day before the official team announcement – which took place Tuesday, July 23.

“It happened there in the gym, when I saw you [the] Monday [July 22],” he told De Villiers.

“My dad and I were having a chat and I saw: ‘Removed from group’.

“It has always been like that.

“It is nothing new.”

Roos said he would be on standby and ‘sort out’ a few things.

(WATCH as popular loose forward Evan Roos reveals the real reason for his absence from the Springbok squad….)

That includes medical checkups for a shoulder problem that has been plaguing him all year.

“I have to see doctors and all that,” he said, adding: “We will see where it goes – [see] if I can play this year still.

“Maybe [I have to] fix up a few things.

“You don’t play at your best if you know you have a niggle or something.”

Asked about the nature of the niggle, he confirmed it was an issue with his shoulder.

“It started with the Stormers and playing 80 [minutes] week in and week out, it doesn’t get time to rest.

“I would rather fix it up and be 100 percent myself, rather than play with a niggle.”

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* To watch the full Boks Office episode, CLICK HERE or visit RugbyPass TV!