Stormers' Evan Roos returns to Springbok squad ahead of busy Test season

SPRINGBOK coach Rassie Erasmus has added powerful DHL Stormers No 8 Evan Roos to the national squad preparing for the upcoming match against the Barbarians and the Castle Lager Incoming Series.

The 25-year-old loose forward, who has already earned seven Test caps, last played for the Springboks in Bloemfontein against Portugal in 2024, before undergoing shoulder surgery that kept him out of action for several months.

Roos had taken part in the Springboks’ first alignment camp in February, but was not included in the second camp held in Cape Town earlier this month – a decision that sparked strong reactions from some fans, particularly in the Western Cape.

Despite a quiet performance in the Stormers’ quarter-final loss to Glasgow last weekend, Roos has consistently been in the conversation as a top contender for the Springbok No 8 jersey. His physicality, energy and versatility continue to make him a valuable asset in a competitive position.

With his addition, the Bok squad now stands at 55 players, as Erasmus continues to build depth ahead of a demanding international campaign.

The team will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday to begin preparations for the season opener – a first-ever clash against the Barbarians on South African soil – at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 28 June.

That match will be followed by three Test matches in the Castle Lager Incoming Series: back-to-back encounters against Italy in Pretoria (5 July) and Gqeberha (12 July), and a final clash against Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July.

Several players still involved in the Vodacom URC and Gallagher Premiership finals will join the Bok setup in stages once their club commitments conclude.

Springbok tickets are already available: Barbarians | Italy In Pretoria | Italy In Gqeberha | Georgia