15 October 2026
DHL Stormers powerhouse Evan Roos is locked and loaded for his highly anticipated season debut this weekend. The explosive nine-cap Springbok loose forward has fully recovered from a frustrating hamstring injury picked up on the artificial turf during the team’s pre-season tour in Ireland.
He slots straight back into the match-day squad for the massive Investec Champions Cup opener against the Bristol Bears at the DHL Stadium on Saturday at 16:15 SAST.
The 26-year-old was left gutted last week after missing out on pulling on the team's alternative strip. “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,” Roos said.
The dynamic No. 8 added that the injury was not severe, noting, “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.”
Roos’ return gives Director of Rugby John Dobson a massive physical boost as the Cape side prepares to fight on two fronts. Reflecting on the heavy demands of balancing the United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup, Roos emphasised that cross-hemisphere success requires a massive squad 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,” said Roos, who started 21 of his 22 club appearances last term. “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.”