Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has dismissed claims that Evan Roos was overlooked due to personal issues.
Stormers back-rower Evan Roos was notably absent from the first official Springboks squad of the year — a decision that surprised many fans and analysts alike.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus opted instead for specialist number eights such as Juarno Augustus, Jasper Wiese, and Cameron Hanekom, along with several versatile options in the back row.
Roos’ omission quickly became a talking point in the media, sparking speculation that a personal issue may have played a role in his initial exclusion.
Erasmus later clarified his stance, emphasizing that his focus was on selecting the right players for the squad — not just the most talented — and stressed the importance of humility and team-first attitudes among those chosen.
Evan Roos’ snub explained
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has clarified that Evan Roos’ initial omission from the squad was purely performance-based, stating that the selection panel felt other number eights were in better form at the time.
With Cameron Hanekom injured in the URC semi-final against the Sharks and uncapped Juarno Augustus also sidelined, Roos was the logical next choice to step in, Erasmus explained.
“I saw what was written, but if you ask Evan, he’ll confirm there’s no personal issue,” Erasmus told reporters.
“We all have different views on form and performance. Sometimes a player meets the Springbok standard, but due to the competition in the squad, he simply misses out at that moment.”
“That’s why Evan has been drafted in now, Cameron is injured and Juarno Augustus hasn’t passed his exit medical test at Northampton so he is out too.
Erasmus explained that Roos’ call-up was a result of circumstance rather than a change in the selectors’ original assessment. “From our perspective, Evan wasn’t performing at the same level as some of the other options at the time,” he said. “That’s usually the reason behind certain omissions — and it doesn’t mean a player isn’t Springbok material or incapable of performing at this level. We simply have multiple players who can cover the number eight role — including Kwagga Smith, Cameron Hanekom, Juarno Augustus, Siya Kolisi — and around five who can also play as a blindside flanker.”
He further elaborated: “It’s not always about a player being less talented. Sometimes, it comes down to how well they fit into what we’re trying to do as a team — our systems, our attack and defensive structures, lineout strategies, and overall balance. It could be that other players are currently more aligned with those aspects.”
“Now, with the injuries piling up, Evan is the next man up and has earned his spot based on that context,” Erasmus concluded.
“I watched the Bulls game live and I saw Cameron’s hamstring go and from that evening I called Evan through Charles our manager and told him you are flying tomorrow.”
