Exeter’s Auckland- born back rower Ethan Roots found himself lining up to face Italy in Rome at the start of the Six Nations less than five months after pulling on a Chief jersey for the first time.
The 26-year-old arrived at Sandy Park from the Ospreys after spending two years in Wales to fulfil his ambition of becoming a professional player having played four minutes for the Crusaders as a replacement.
“If someone had said at the start of the season that I would be capped I would have thought it farfetched to say the least,” admitted Roots, who started England’s first three Six Nations matches and came of the bench in the final one in Lyon.
“International rugby has always been a goal of mine, but being capped so soon after joining Exeter blindsided me. I joined the club because it was an opportunity to start anew and felt playing there would suit me and I feel very fortunate about how the season has turned out.”
Roots made an impact at Ospreys after initially joining the region as injury cover, but with the Welsh game facing financial challenges he knew it was time to move on.
Esta historia es de la edición May 12, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición May 12, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
