EthanRoots

Ethan Roots described playing in the Gallagher PREM as a life-long dream having arrived at Exeter Chiefs during the summer of 2023. The all-action back-row forward joined from URC side, Ospreys Rugby.

Roots joined the Welsh team in March 2021 from the Crusaders and went on to cement himself as a physical on-field force for the region.

After establishing himself in the East Coast Bays Prem side, the next step up the ladder was to convince Mitre 10 Cup side North Harbour that he was worth a punt.

After just five games with Harbour, three of New Zealand’s four Super Rugby franchises – the Crusaders, Chiefs and the Hurricanes – had put contract offers in front of him. It was the call that came from Crusaders boss Scott Robertson that secured Roots’ signature.

He found himself sharing a changing room with All Blacks starters Scott Barrett, Codie Taylor and Richie Mo’unga, to name a few.

Then came the move to the Ospreys. Having made an impression during a loan spell with his abrasive style of play, Roots was offered a permanent deal.

From there, Roots did not look back and his eye-catching displays earned him rave reviews and many admirers, among them Rob Baxter, who moved swiftly to bring the Kiwi to Devon.

His performances in a Chiefs shirt in his maiden season earned him an international call-up to Steve Borthwick's England side as the back rower made his debut in the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

Since that debut campaign, Roots has been a leading voice in the Chiefs pack and wider squad. Often taking the captain’s armband in the absence of Dafydd Jenkins or Jack Yeandle, Roots has racked up more than 70 club appearances.