Evan Roos took one look at the DHL Stormers’ new home jersey and what it represents for his team and the city of Cape Town, and it’s made him more determined than ever to get back onto the field as soon as possible for this season’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
Roos is currently recovering from surgery for a shoulder injury.
Speaking at the official season launch of the DHL Stormers in Cape Town this week, Roos said the over 350 signatures of players past and present that adorn the iconic blue and white jersey are a powerful reminder of what this team means to him, and to the people of Cape Town.
“As a player when you see your name there next to players like Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff, Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger Jnr, Corné Krige, Jaque Fourie and all those great names, it puts it into perspective what a special team you’re a part of,” said Roos.
“You know you’re borrowing this jersey for a while before you will also pass it on to the next player. It’s something to cherish. We’ve got a good squad for this season and the team must hold the fort for the first few rounds and I’ll join them again once I’ve recovered from my injury. I hate to just watch so I’ll try and pick up my rehab so I can join them soon.”
The DHL Stormers are a powerful example of a team’s ability to inspire a city, with their success over three seasons of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship underpinned by their desire to “Make Cape Town Smile”.
And Roos said the link between this team and the city of Cape Town is becoming stronger by the day.
“It’s been awesome through the Vodacom United Rugby Championship to be able to make the people of Cape Town proud. It’s quite a spectacle playing rugby in Cape Town. The whole city actually backs their team.
"That’s rare these days, especially in rugby. You see it overseas in the NBA and NFL where they’re fanatical about their teams, and even at college football level. We’re starting to reflect that in Cape Town as well. Our whole goal this season is to play the game that we as a team and also as Western Province rugby culture represent.”
Ruhan Nel agreed that the home jersey design was a special touch going into the new season.
“We grew up watching a lot of those names on the jersey. Now our names are on there. There are big names in SA rugby there. We realise the path that was laid out before us through those players and the style of rugby that was played through all those eras.
"So hopefully we can now do this jersey proud, and all of those names on there as well. We’ve put a lot of effort and energy into getting Cape Town smiling. We try and represent all of our communities. It’s special.”