Evan Roos can’t wait to play his first game of the season, with the Stormers No 8 set to run out against a familiar foe in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash in Cape Town.
He has recovered from a hamstring niggle to start alongside Siya Kolisi and Paul de Villiers in the back row for the first meeting between John Dobson’s charges and the Bristol Bears, following his late withdrawal from last week’s URC derby win.
Roos travelled with the team two weeks ago but sat out their fixtures in Galway and Edinburgh after getting hurt at training before the Stormers’ win over Connacht.
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“I picked up a niggle in Ireland on that plastic grass. Not meant to play rugby on that at all,” the 26-year-old told Heart FM presenter Jeremy Harris on The Nigel Pierce Show.
“You never want to get on a plane to Ireland just to get injured on the second day there, but luckily it wasn’t serious. I just needed a little bit of love, care and attention.
“We’re back at it now, so I’m really excited to play my first game of the season.
“One thing I was really bleak about last week was not being able to run out in a black jersey, but luckily Dobbo said we can do it again.”
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The Stormers are currently fourth in the URC and looking to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions Cup for the fourth time in five campaigns.
Roos, who started 21 of his 22 club appearances across all competitions last term, said going deep in 2026-27 will take a collective effort.
“It’s not like the old Super Rugby days, where we had 12 or 13 games and could field the best team, or best 23, every weekend,” the nine-cap Springbok added. “Playing in two competitions like this, with all the travel, you need a big, talented squad.
“We’re always going to try to compete in both, but the Champions Cup is something very special that you want to get right.”
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Roos, Dobson and assistant coach Dawie Snyman also have some unique insight on Bristol boss Pat Lam.
“A few of us Stormers boys joined up with him in November last year. He was the Barbarians coach, and Dobbo and Dawie were also assistant coaches for him.
“He’s an awesome human being and a great rugby brain, so I’m expecting a tough challenge this weekend.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Roos revved up to be back in black appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Evan Roos can’t wait to play his first game of the season, with the Stormers No 8 set to run out against a familiar foe in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash in Cape Town.
The post Roos revved up to be back in black appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
