Ethan Roots selected in England A squad

Exeter Chiefs flanker Ethan Roots has been selected in the England A squad to take on an Argentina XV at The Rec in Bath this Friday (KO 19:45).

England A provides a platform for players transitioning from Gallagher PREM Rugby and pathway teams into the senior men’s team.

The 30-player cohort has been selected through a cooperative approach involving England A head coach Mapletoft, England senior men's head coach Steve Borthwick, and Conor O'Shea, RFU executive director of rugby performance.

With all 10 Gallagher PREM clubs represented in the squad makeup, the men's A side have assembled at the University of Bath training grounds ahead of their first match of the season.

Roots, who has already played for England and England A, said: “I’m excited to be back in the England A squad. They are great weeks away from the usual routine with the challenge of an international match come the weekend.”

The 28-year-old will return to The Rec having played for England A against an All Blacks XV last November. He also played against an Ireland XV at Thomond Park in February earlier this year.

He will be joined by Bristol Bears’ back-row forward and club captain, Fitz Harding, who will lead the A side for a second time having taken his country to a 29-25 victory over Spain in Valladolid in 2025.

Charlie Atkinson, Jamie Blamire, Noah Caluori, Joe Carpenter, George Kloska, Luke Northmore, Max Ojomoh and Roots are the eight previously capped senior men's players named in the squad.

Lucas Friday, Max Hicks, Will Knight, Alex O'Driscoll, James Pater and Will Trenholm are welcomed into Mapletoft's A set-up for the first time.

Pater and Knight are current U20 Elite Player Squad internationals called up from Andy Titterrell's side, with recent graduates Caluori and Friday also involved. Nineteen of the squad have progressed through the England Men's Pathway with caps at U18s or U20s level, underlining the strength of the player development pathway.

Mapletoft said: “This squad brings together a group of players who have earned an exciting opportunity through their performances, marking the start of an important week of connection, growth and learning.

"The A programme plays a key role in strengthening the identity of English rugby, creating alignment across the pathway and giving players the chance to experience what it means to represent England in a high-performance environment.

"There is real ambition within this group, and we are looking forward to building strong relationships, developing cohesion and unity, and taking another step forward together ahead of a physical and demanding test at The Rec.”

Tickets for England A vs. Argentina XV start from £22.95 for adults and £11.50 for children (U16s) - booking fees apply. Secure your place here.

This game will also be shown live England Rugby YouTube channel and Premier Sports.

England A will play an Ireland XV at Sandy Park on Saturday, 20 February - KO 19:00. Tickets are available here.