BBC Rugby Union: Exeter Chiefs Bolster Front Row with Signing of Promising Tighthead Jimmy Roots
Exeter Chiefs have strengthened their front row options for the 2024/25 season by securing the signing of tighthead prop Jimmy Roots. The 24-year-old is the younger brother of current Exeter and England international Ethan Roots.
Jimmy Roots joins the Gallagher Premiership club from RFU Championship side Ealing Trailfinders, where he spent the last two seasons as part of the second-tier champions’ squad. The New Zealand-born front rower previously represented the Blues U20s, East Coast Bay, and North Harbour before making the move to England.
“We are pleased with the rugby he has been playing and the potential he has displayed. We feel he is a guy who can come in to be here for some time, where he can develop into a guy who drives the team forward.”
Speaking on the signing, Exeter Director of Rugby Rob Baxter expressed his delight at bringing in the promising young prop. Baxter highlighted Roots’ dynamic ball-carrying abilities and his potential to become a “modern front row forward” with the right development. The recruitment of Jimmy Roots follows a prop exodus at the Chiefs, with former England hopeful Patrick Schickerling heading to Glasgow.
For Jimmy Roots, the opportunity to join Exeter and reunite with his brother Ethan is an exciting prospect.
“Signing for Chiefs has been pretty daunting as well as exciting. It’s a challenge and a big step up, but it’s one that I’m excited for. Being back with my brother is really cool, but I’m looking to make the most of my opportunity and take it with both hands.”
The Roots brothers are set to become a familiar sight for Exeter Chiefs supporters next season, as the club looks to build on its recent successes and challenge for further honors in the Gallagher Premiership and beyond.
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