Exclusive: Evan Roos Has “Nothing to Prove” as Stormers Star Focuses on Growth After Springbok Omission

Evan Roos isn’t looking for sympathy nor is he seeking vindication. 

The hard-running No. 8, a standout performer for the Stormers, has been left out of the Springbok squad for their upcoming clash against the All Blacks this weekend. 

With Jasper Wiese still serving a suspension, many had expected Roos to slot into the squad as the natural replacement.

Instead, the Boks head into a crucial match without a specialist eighth man, leaving many fans and pundits puzzled by the decision. But Roos remains unfazed.

“I feel like I have nothing to prove,” Roos told SportsBoom.co.za. 

“My main focus now is the preseason and trying to get better. The next game on the calendar is on the 23rd [of September] against Leinster here at the DHL Stadium.”

With the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Rugby competitions looming, Roos is redirecting his energy into preparing for what could be a defining season for the Stormers.

“Every day I’m trying to work and get better on the small things,” he added. “If I can improve every day, I’ll be happy.”

Springbok Selection Leaves Questions

The absence of a specialist No. 8 in the Springbok setup has sparked debate. With Wiese still suspended and no clear successor in the squad, many believed Roos was the logical option to fill the void. 

His omission has added fuel to ongoing discussions around squad depth and selection strategy under the current Bok regime.

Still, Roos is choosing not to engage in the noise. His sights are firmly set on performing for his union, where he remains a central figure in the Stormers’ ambitions both domestically and in Europe.

Currie Cup Woes for Western Province

While Roos gears up for a high-stakes URC season, his provincial side, Western Province, is enduring a nightmare campaign in the Currie Cup. Without a single win this season, Province are at risk of going winless and finishing at the bottom of the log, a tough pill to swallow for one of South Africa’s most storied unions.

“As we said before the Currie Cup started, there are a lot of club and young players in the squad,” Roos explained. 

“Personally, I think with those young guys getting that crucial experience playing senior rugby isn’t bad at all. Obviously the results aren’t going our way, but there is development and players getting a taste of senior rugby.”

For Roos, the long-term vision outweighs short-term results.

“By having those young guys playing senior rugby, we build a squad. It helps with having proper rotations of players and guys can have rest or off time. Yes, it is a baptism of fire, but I just hope people can understand the vision.”

Roos and Adidas: A Partnership On and Off the Pitch

Off the field, Roos is also relishing a new chapter with Adidas, who are now kitting out the Stormers. 

A long-time associate of the global sportswear brand, Roos sees the partnership as both a personal and professional milestone.

“The Adidas looks amazing on the jersey! It’s a dream to play with the Adidas brand,” he said, visibly elated. 

“Obviously I have worked with them for about four to five years, I know their policy and the effort they put in for their players. Having that backing for the team and myself makes things so much better.”

Eyes on Leinster, Not the Green and Gold—for Now

While the Springboks battle the All Blacks in a test that could shape their Rugby Championship campaign, Evan Roos is preparing to lead the Stormers against Irish giants Leinster later this month. The focus is clear: improve daily, lead locally, and let the performances speak for themselves.

The Springbok door may be closed for now, but for Roos, the fire still burns, quietly, relentlessly, and with a point to prove, even if he says he doesn’t have to.