AUDIO: Roos a blooming Bok

With his current form, there’s no way the name Evan Roos wouldn’t be mentioned when talk turns to the Springbok No.8 jersey.

The Stormers loose forward returned to the field in January after a shoulder surgery kept him sidelined for six months.

Since his return, the 25-year-old has been impressive, scoring his sixth try of the season last weekend against Connacht.

In 2022, a young 22-year-old Roos burst onto the scene during the United Rugby Championship. He played a colossal role in the Stormers’ URC title charge and scored a try in the final against the Bulls.

That year, he claimed the URC Players’ Player of the Season, Fans’ Player of the Season, and Next-Gen Player of the Season awards.

He was also included in the URC Dream Team.

His incredible season at the franchise level earned him a Springbok call-up, and he made his Test debut on July 9, 2022, against Wales.

The Paarl Boys alumnus was one of the unfortunate few to miss out on South Africa’s final World Cup squad in 2023.

In 2024, he featured in the Springboks’ win over Portugal in Bloemfontein in July, but was again not selected for the Rugby Championship squad and opted to undergo surgery on his shoulder.

Fast forward to January 2025, and it seems this could finally be Roos’ international breakout season.

With Jasper Wiese, Elrigh Louw, and now No.8 contender Francke Horn all on the sidelines due to injuries, Roos has sent a timely reminder to the Springbok management of his prowess.

However, given that there are a number of viable options for the Springbok No. 8 jersey – including Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi, Phepsi Buthelezi, and Kwagga Smith – Roos remains hesitant to entertain talk of adding another cap to his international career.

Instead, the loose forward is simply content to be playing again.

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“The six months off did me quite well,” Roos said, adding: “It put things into perspective and helped me look at things differently in terms of how I play.

“I came back motivated, rejuvenated, and energised to play again.

“In terms of the Springboks and all that, one of the reasons why I’ve been enjoying my rugby – or maybe playing a bit better than usual – is because I’m enjoying being here.

“I’m present in the moment and trying to do my best for the Stormers, without worrying too much about what’s to come.

“I just try to control what I can control, and the rest is not in my hands – it’s in someone else’s.

“I just enjoy playing rugby again.”

Turning his attention to the Stormers’ upcoming match against Benetton, the loose forward said he expects a very physical showdown from the Italians.

Benetton are currently fifth on the log after they beat the Lions at Ellis Park, while the Stormers sit eighth following their win over Connacht.

“We’re expecting physicality and a lot of passion,” said Roos.

“They’re a quality team and have got good players who work hard, so I don’t think it’ll be anything short of that.

“It’s going to be a tough match, and respect where it’s due  – we’re going to have to be at our best this weekend.”