Evan Roos stays put as Stormers tie down Springbok No 8 for two more years

The Stormers have secured one of their most prized assets for the long haul, with Springbok No 8 Evan Roos committing his future to the Cape franchise until at least 2028.

In a major boost for the Stormers and their supporters ahead of a critical final Champions Cup pool match against Leicester Tigers on Saturday, the explosive loose forward has signed a two-year contract extension.

Roos, who became a Springbok at the Stormers, has once again been a driving force this season, playing a central role so far as the Cape side surged out of the blocks with 10 wins from their opening 11 matches in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and Champions Cup.

The 25-year-old burst onto the professional scene at just 21, when he claimed the URC Players’ Player of the Season award in 2022 after helping the Stormers lift the inaugural title. Since then, his blend of speed, power and work rate has made him one of the most destructive runners and committed defenders in the competition. Roos already scored six tries this season and will look to add to his tally going forward.

Director of rugby John Dobson praised both Roos’ talent and character.

“Evan made such a huge impact for us at a very young age, it is hard to believe he is still only 25,” Dobson said in a statement.

“This extension means that we have him here for the prime of his career and I’m convinced we are yet to see the best of him in our jersey. He is a player who has such incredible natural ability and would fit in well at any club in the world.

“But what is perhaps more impressive is the way he carries himself around his teammates. There are few players as committed to the cause as Evan, and we are thrilled to have him stay with us.”

Roos just wants to continue contributing to the Stormers as they attempt to bring more silverware to the DHL Stadium. He should add to the 74 caps when the Stormers take on Leicester Tigers on Saturday in the final Champions Cup pool match.

“I could not be happier to be extending with this team. Cape Town is home and I have a fantastic support base here, not to mention the fans and the incredible set-up we have with a strong squad and world-class coaches.

“I know that the best is yet to come from this team and I’m just really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together going forward,” he said.