Evan Roos is hoping to rediscover his love of rugby as he returns to DHL Stormers after a spell recovering from shoulder surgery following his suspension from the Springboks.
After a solid season with DHL Stormers, Roose returned to the Springboks and was named in the starting line-up for the Tests against Wales at Twickenham and Portugal in Bloemfontein.
But after being left out of the Rugby Championship squad, Ruth was given the chance to undergo surgery on a long-term shoulder problem that will keep him out of action until December.
Speaking during a Champions Cup media briefing in Cape Town, the 24-year-old explained he is looking forward to getting back on the pitch and making a fresh start for the Stormers.
“I want to continue to build on what we’ve accomplished so far and get better at handling the smaller technical aspects and things that come with experience,” Roos said. Rugby365.
“I also want to enjoy rugby again. I have been hard on myself for the past year and a half.
“I was so hard on myself and pushed myself because I was dropped from the Bok team right before the World Cup and got injured mid-season.
“I think I’m being stupid and trying too hard, so my mentality when I go back is to enjoy it. If I play well for the Stormers and the Boks need me, I’ll enjoy it there.
“But that’s not my mindset right now. Obviously, it’s in the back of my mind, but first I want to enjoy playing rugby union in Cape Town and then I want to play for the Boks.”
Ruth has delivered positive news about her recovery, adding that she has overcome the initial shock of having to watch the Springboks play from the sidelines.
“The surgery went really well,” Ruth said. “I got out of the sling pretty quickly, and my shoulder is very mobile. I’ve even started doing a little gym work.
“It was quite mentally tough at first and it was a bit of a shock. You were part of the Springboks team and then suddenly you’re not. You’ve seen the Springboks do well, they’ve beaten New Zealand twice and played in Cape Town, so it affects you mentally.
“But if you are well rooted, have a good foundation, and focus on what is important in your life rather than material things, you will have a better life.
“I think if you put your whole identity into rugby, you can quickly become out of fashion.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
