Ethan Roots eyeing Wales after dream start to England career… with the flanker starring in his side’s opening Six Nations game against Italy

As far as his debut goes, Ethan Roots couldn’t have asked for much more from his first England cap. A winning start, a man-of-the-match award and, to top it all off, a surprise visit from mother Cara.

Despite living 11,000 miles away in New Zealand, Ms Roots kept her arrival a secret until she arrived in Rome.

Roots was born and raised in Auckland by his mother, who has Maori heritage, and his father, who was adopted in Reading.

“My dad is back in Auckland but my mum flew out and surprised me,” said the flanker (below), who averaged seven meters per carry. ‘It was the first time I had seen her in a long time. That was quite special.

‘I don’t know how she planned it all. My partner landed at the same time. It was a nice surprise.’

Roots had an unforgettable debut for England against Italy, helping his side to a 27-24 victory

The flanker, pictured with his teammates, was surprised by his family on the day of the match

Roots will be hopeful of retaining the number 6 jersey for Saturday’s Six Nations match against Wales. In a team lacking tackle-breaking carries, he emerged as England’s best runner, compensating for the absences of Ollie Lawrence and Manu Tuilagi.

“Of course you’re going to be nervous about a debut,” said Roots. ‘We really wanted to start the tournament with a win. I had a lot of support. All the boys were very good, which reassured me a bit.

‘I got some messages from my family in New Zealand, my partner and boys, my brother, pretty much my whole family. It made me emotional. They are a big part of why I play and have done so well, because I have to support them.

‘I’m good at encouraging other people and being vocal. A lot of people told me I needed to find my voice and I tried. It was a dream result and it is special to win man of the match.’

Roots’ impressive debut capped off a remarkable rise. Five years ago he was working on a construction site in north Auckland. He tried cage fighting and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but got his break when he moved to Europe in 2021.

He spent two years with the Ospreys before joining Exeter last summer and emerged as a key figure. Now he has set his sights on Twickenham.

Roots has become a key player at Exeter after joining from Ospreys last summer

This weekend’s match against Wales would be his first test at Twickenham if he were picked

“I know a lot of those lads in Wales and it would be great to get a knock against them,” he said. ‘It’s a big occasion and it would be my first Test at Twickenham so I would be really excited about it.’

England flanker Lewis Ludlam has confirmed he will leave Northampton at the end of the season, with an expected move to French side Toulon.

Wales should be boosted by the return of Will Rowlands for Saturday’s match after The Lock joined Warren Gatland’s squad.