New-boy Roots has his eye on NZ return

ONE OF England’s Test debutants this year has a big incentive to make the summer tour to New Zealand – he would be returning to his roots.

- PAUL REES

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.