Ethan Roots, the powerhouse from Exeter Chiefs, still harbors ambitions of an England recall after a year in the shadows of international rugby. Despite dazzling during the 2024 Six Nations, Roots has found himself on the outside looking in, with his last appearance in a dramatic victory over Ireland. However, the New Zealand-born flanker's recent form has not gone unnoticed, earning him a spot in the England A team this November.
Roots expressed a mix of frustration and motivation regarding his situation. "It was hard not being involved last year, but I can see the reasons why," he admitted. The gritty forward remains optimistic about his chances, determined to keep pushing.
"I'm putting myself in the right position to at least ask some questions and push for a jersey. I’ll just keep chipping away here and hopefully get a call at some point. Fingers crossed, I get a chance to prove myself again,"
he said. For Roots, it's not just about reclaiming a spot; it's about validating his place at the top echelons of the game. "It’s about proving it to myself that I wasn’t just a one-time fluke and show my worth," he added.
The competition for back-row positions in the England squad is fierce. With stalwarts like Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, and Tom Curry setting high standards, and emerging talents such as Chandler Cunningham-South and Guy Pepper, Roots faces a daunting task to break back into Steve Borthwick’s plans. "There's an EPS, and I’m not a part of that at the moment," Roots acknowledged, highlighting the depth of talent Borthwick has at his disposal.
Despite the challenges, Exeter Chiefs' director of rugby, Rob Baxter, has nothing but high praise and staunch encouragement for Roots.
"I think he just has to carry on with how he is doing,"
Baxter commended. He noted Roots' intense pre-season efforts and his crucial role in the squad, emphasizing his physicality and discipline, which are essential for catching Borthwick's eye.
Roots' journey reflects the relentless grind and fierce competition within professional rugby, where every player must continuously prove their worth, not only to their peers and selectors but to themselves. With his resolve and recent performances, it may not be long before we see him donning the England jersey once more.
2,193 posts
Ethan Roots, the powerhouse from Exeter Chiefs, still harbors ambitions of an England recall after a year in the shadows of international rugby. Despite dazzling during the 2024 Six Nations, Roots has found himself on the outside looking in, with his last appearance in a dramatic victory over Ireland. However, the New Zealand-born flanker's recent form has not gone unnoticed, earning him a spot in the England A team this November.
Roots expressed a mix of frustration and motivation regarding his situation. "It was hard not being involved last year, but I can see the reasons why," he admitted. The gritty forward remains optimistic about his chances, determined to keep pushing.
"I'm putting myself in the right position to at least ask some questions and push for a jersey. I’ll just keep chipping away here and hopefully get a call at some point. Fingers crossed, I get a chance to prove myself again,"
he said. For Roots, it's not just about reclaiming a spot; it's about validating his place at the top echelons of the game. "It’s about proving it to myself that I wasn’t just a one-time fluke and show my worth," he added.The competition for back-row positions in the England squad is fierce. With stalwarts like Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, and Tom Curry setting high standards, and emerging talents such as Chandler Cunningham-South and Guy Pepper, Roots faces a daunting task to break back into Steve Borthwick’s plans. "There's an EPS, and I’m not a part of that at the moment," Roots acknowledged, highlighting the depth of talent Borthwick has at his disposal.
Despite the challenges, Exeter Chiefs' director of rugby, Rob Baxter, has nothing but high praise and staunch encouragement for Roots.
"I think he just has to carry on with how he is doing,"
Baxter commended. He noted Roots' intense pre-season efforts and his crucial role in the squad, emphasizing his physicality and discipline, which are essential for catching Borthwick's eye.Roots' journey reflects the relentless grind and fierce competition within professional rugby, where every player must continuously prove their worth, not only to their peers and selectors but to themselves. With his resolve and recent performances, it may not be long before we see him donning the England jersey once more.