Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has publicly admitted he made a mistake by omitting Evan Roos from recent squad selections, acknowledging the young No. 8’s impressive performances in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Roos, who has been instrumental for the Stormers, was notably left out of the Springboks’ training and matchday squads in recent months despite strong form. Erasmus, known for his tactical mind and honesty, surprised many by addressing the omission in a recent interview.

“I was wrong,” Erasmus said candidly. “Evan has proven himself time and again at club level. Looking back, he deserved a place in the setup earlier. We’ve had tough calls to make, but this one stands out.”

The coach added that Roos remains very much in the national team’s plans ahead of the upcoming international season, hinting that the back-rower could be recalled for the mid-year tests.

Fans and analysts have been vocal in their support for Roos, often questioning his absence given his dominant ball-carrying and defensive work.

With the Springboks preparing for a busy 2025 calendar, including tests against top-tier opponents, Erasmus’s admission could signal a more open selection strategy—potentially paving the way for Roos’s return to the green and gold jersey.