Sports

Evan Roos Makes Bok Return After Injury Just in Time for Home Clash Against the Barbarians

Published

3 months ago

June 10, 2025

Nikita

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Just when it looked like Evan Roos might have to wait a little longer for a Springbok comeback, the door swung open again, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has officially recalled the Stormers’ No. 8 to the national squad, following a rather unfortunate injury to Bulls rising star Cameron Hanekom. Roos, who’s been sidelined for months due to shoulder surgery, is back in green and gold and South African rugby fans couldn’t be more thrilled.

From Rehab to Redemption

The last time Roos played for the Boks was in Bloemfontein, when South Africa took on Portugal in the 2024 Castle Lager Incoming Series. Since then, it’s been a long road to recovery for the 24-year-old, who also attended teams alignment camp in Cape Town earlier this year.

With his name now officially added to a 55-man squad, Roos will report for duty in Johannesburg this week and kick off training with the team as they gear up for an action-packed international season.

Cape Town to Host History-Making Showdown

One of the biggest headlines this year is the Springboks taking on the Barbarians, on home soil, for the very first time. The clash is set for Saturday, 28 June, at The DHL Stadium in Cape Town, and is expected to draw a lively crowd and major media attention.

Following that, the Boks will face Italy in two back-to-back Tests in Pretoria (5 July) and Gqeberha (12 July), before wrapping up The Castle Lager Incoming Series Castle Lager Incoming Series with a fixture against Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July.

Club Finals Delay Full Squad Arrival

It’s not just Roos making news. With the Bulls heading to Dublin for the United Rugby Championship Grand Final against Leinster, and English clubs Bath and Leicester squaring off in the Gallagher Premiership Final, several Springboks are still tied to club duties.

This means players will link up with the national camp on a staggered schedule, joining once their respective seasons wrap. But in the meantime, Roos’s return is a major boost to the Bok pack and a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the game of rugby.

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