Stormers powerhouse Evan Roos has broken his silence after a turbulent individual campaign, sending a firm message to critics and fans who questioned his form and consistency throughout the season.

Roos, who had flashes of brilliance but also faced injury setbacks and dips in performance, addressed the noise surrounding his name in a raw and unapologetic quote:

“People talk like we owe them explanations every week. We don’t. We owe the jersey. That’s it.”

The 25-year-old loose forward, long hailed as one of the most promising talents in South African rugby, made it clear that his loyalty

lies with the badge on his chest, not the opinions on social media or in the press.

His words struck a chord with Stormers fans, many of whom praised the emotional honesty and focus on team identity. Others, however, saw it as a deflection from the responsibility top players carry in both victory and defeat.

Roos later clarified that his statement wasn’t meant to dismiss loyal supporters, but rather to refocus the conversation on what matters most inside the squad:

“We respect our fans, but we can’t live for likes and headlines. Every time I put on that jersey, it’s war — for my team, for this city.”

Stormers head coach John Dobson backed

his star player, saying:

“Evan’s been through a tough season. But his passion hasn’t faded — if anything, it’s burning hotter. That kind of fire is exactly what we need going forward.”

With the new United Rugby Championship season approaching, Roos’s statement has set the tone: no apologies, no distractions — just rugby, heart, and the jersey.