Exciting times ahead for Slade

By Bill Sobey

Exeter Chiefs back Henry Slade admits he is about to enter the most exciting spell of his young career, after his recent involvement with England.

Slade and fellow Exeter back Jack Nowell were named in the England squad for the upcoming autumn international series.

However, they were both released by England head coach Stuart Lancaster ahead of this weekend’s Test against New Zealand

Dave Ewers and Thomas Waldrom, both of whom spent last week at England’s training base at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot, were also allowed to return to the Chiefs ahead of tomorrow’s LV= Cup clash with Bath.

Slade has started all six of the Chiefs’ top-flight games this season, scoring three tries, and he is expected to be involved against Bath in the cup tie tomorrow.

“It’s a really exciting stage of my career and it was an awesome bonus to be invited up to train with the England boys,” said Slade.

“It was a really good experience and it was nice to break the season up.

“It is a different environment and I think that refreshes you. It is good learn different aspects of the game and how to play.

“The recognition is probably the main thing, after the work we have been putting in. It is nice when that work is rewarded. It was great being away, but also good to come back and hopefully be involved at the weekend here.

“I’ve really enjoyed this season and getting game-time has been the main thing. I’d always rather be playing at ten, 12 or 13 than sat on the bench. I don’t mind which position I’m playing, as long as I’m on the pitch.”

Slade says the thought of appearing in next year’s Six Nations, and even the World Cup, has crossed his mind, but he remains focused on the present.

“Everyone thinks about that, but we do like to concentrate on one thing at a time,” he said. “The next game I’m hopefully going to be playing in is the one this weekend against Bath – that’s all I’m focused on right now.

“The way to get selected for England is to be playing well here.”

Chiefs coach Ali Hepher believes Slade, Nowell, Waldrom and Ewers are unfortunate not to be involved with England this weekend.

However, he admits Exeter are delighted to have them back and says they are motivated to remain in contention for international honours.

Hepher said: “We want to produce England internationals and get players in the frame for that.

“Looking at recent performances, there are guys really pushing and they should count themselves pretty unlucky not to be in the mix for a place in the starting line-up. That will only drive them and they know the importance coming back here, dropping into the way we do things, and performing.

“Playing here is the only way to get that international recognition. We know they are being watched and that is great for us, but they need to kick on now. They can’t sit back and rest because there might be opportunities only weeks around the corner.”

Chiefs showed great resolve to win their opening LV= Cup game, 28-27, against Gloucester last weekend.

Slade hopes the defending champions can do the same tomorrow against their Westcountry rivals Bath.

He said: “Last week was a great result and we showed a lot of fight to come back in the second half. If we can replicate that side of the performance and get another win, then that will put us in a really good position to defend the title.”