Slade decision 'sensible' insists Baxter

By Mark Stevens
20/10/22

Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, is backing Henry Slade to prove his worth and reclaim his place back within Eddie Jones’ England squad.

Jones confirmed earlier this week that the 29-year-old back would not be part of his training squad for the upcoming Autumn Test Series.

Slade, who has won 48 Test caps, missed England’s successful summer tour to Australia to undergo surgery on a long-standing shoulder injury - and will now miss out on next month’s upcoming clashes against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham.

Baxter, though, believes Slade’s omission isa ‘sensible decision’ in the long-term and the player will benefit from featuring for the Chiefs in domestic battle.

“Obviously, Henry’s had a long time out with that shoulder, having that shoulder op and not going on tour,” said Baxter when asked about the Slade situation with England at his media briefing ahead of Saturday’s Exeter versus Saracens Gallagher Premiership fixture at Sandy Park.

“He then had a very limited pre-season and was only just back into playing as the season started. Without a doubt, he is not quite on touch and on the form he would like to be in, so I kind of think it was one of those sensible decisions. He has been named in the EPS squad, he has kind of been left to get on and play some rugby, which is probably the most important thing for him.

“In lots of ways, it seems like a sensible decision to me. Obviously, Henry is disappointed, he is bound to be. He wants to play for England, he wants to be involved in these big games but the truth is he also understands you have got to get on, you have got to play well and you have got to drive your club form and that is something he is very determined to do.”