Rassie Erasmus Explains Why Evan Roos Was Left Out of Springboks End-of-Year Squad
- Rassie Erasmus explained why Evan Roos was left out of the Springboks’ end-of-year squad
- Veteran players like Faf de Klerk, Willie Le Roux, Bongi Mbonambi, and Vincent Koch also missed out on the list
- Springboks prepare for a five-match November tour amid key suspensions, including Makazole Mapimpi
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has clarified his decision to exclude Evan Roos from the end-of-year tour squad. On Monday, 20 October, Erasmus announced a 33-man squad for training ahead of the five November Test matches.
Source: Getty Images
The squad notably excluded veterans such as World Cup winner Faf de Klerk and Test centurion Willie Le Roux. Other seasoned players, including Bongi Mbonambi, Cobus Wiese, and Vincent Koch, also did not make the cut.
On Thursday, 23 October, Erasmus responded on X to a fan asking about Roos’ omission. The coach said:
"My friend is a world-class player and will play many Test matches for the Boks. We just have two really good eights in Jasper and Kwagga, and in my opinion, they are still delivering at a higher level than Evan. One thing is a given: he is a Test match player and will probably make it in 2027."
Fan reactions to Erasmus’ explanation
Rugby fans quickly weighed in, with mixed reactions to Erasmus addressing squad selections on social media:
@PG_Mthimunye:
"Respectfully, Coach, there is no need to justify or answer about player selection on social media. We trust you!"
@opensaysmani:
"Spoiled for choice for sure, Evan still has plenty of petrol in the tank his time will come, until then he must just keep levelling up."
@WINSTON74502263:
"Rassie, thank you for sharing. Couch coaches haven’t won back-to-back World Cups and Rugby Championships like you."
@MdangeKaTshiwo_:
"I always love your honesty and engagement. Reminds me of the 2019 World Cup videos you made us believe and brought back the trophy."
@Phesh6210:
"Personally, I was unhappy about Mapimpi, but now I realise he is suspended… Please let Mapimpi reach 50 caps; we all know he won’t feature in 2027."
Source: Getty Images
Springboks face key challenges ahead
The Springboks will start their November tour against Japan on 1 November before taking on France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.
The team has faced setbacks, including winger Makazole Mapimpi’s five-game suspension for violent conduct, which rules him out of the tour. Jan Hendrik-Wessels also received a heavy ban for violent conduct, sidelining him for months despite a lack of conclusive evidence.
Erasmus will rely on the squad’s depth to navigate the demanding schedule. The Springboks aim to finish the year strongly and maintain their position atop the World Rugby rankings.
Rassie Erasmus signals end of era for Boks legends
Briefly News previously reported that South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus named his Springboks training squad for the end-of-year tour on Monday, 20 October 2025, signalling a clear shift in the national team as some of the country’s most experienced players reach the “end of the road."
Several emerging talents have been given opportunities in the squad. Zachary Porthen, the Stormers tighthead, has impressed in the URC this season, rising quickly from junior rugby to Test contention.
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Source: Briefly News
