Born in New Zealand, he represents England at international level after qualifying on ancestry grounds.

[1] Roots was born in Auckland to a Māori mother (Ngāti Kahungunu)[2] and an English father from Reading.

[4] After playing for local club East Coast Bays, Roots represented North Harbour in the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup.

[4] His performances in this competition led to him joining Crusaders although he made only one appearance during the 2020 Super Rugby season against Highlanders.

[10][11] Roots received his first call up to the senior England squad on 17 January 2024 for the 2024 Six Nations Championship[12] for the match against Italy.