South African rugby star Evan Roos has sparked debate after appearing to criticize Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus following his omission from the latest national squad. The powerful Stormers No. 8, widely seen as one of the country’s most dynamic loose forwards, was left out of the Springboks’ June test squad—a move that has surprised fans and analysts alike.

In a cryptic social media post shortly after the announcement, Roos wrote, “Silence speaks volumes. Let the game do the talking.” While he didn’t mention Erasmus directly, the timing and tone suggest a pointed response to his exclusion. Roos has been in stellar form during the United Rugby Championship season, consistently dominating in carries and defensive stats.

This is not the first time Roos has been overlooked despite strong performances. Many expected him to be a key part of the Springboks’ rebuilding plans under Erasmus, especially with veteran players retiring or unavailable. However, Erasmus opted for more experienced options, citing the need for cohesion ahead of a challenging international calendar.

Fans and pundits took to social media to voice support for Roos, with many questioning Erasmus’s selection criteria. Some argue that Roos is being unfairly sidelined despite outperforming current squad members.

Roos’s response reflects a growing frustration among younger talents eager to break into the Springbok setup. Whether this tension escalates or leads to a redemptive return for Roos remains to be seen—but the message has clearly been sent.