- The Exeter and England star wants to be available for upcoming November Tests
- Henry Slade has revealed he is battling to shorten his return from injury
- The 31-year-old was expected to initially be out of action for up to four months
England centre Henry Slade has handed national head coach Steve Borthwick a huge boost after revealing he plans to return to full fitness ahead of the country’s four blockbuster November Tests.
Last month, Slade’s club Exeter confirmed he had undergone shoulder surgery and would definitely miss the start of the new Gallagher Premiership season.
Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said the 31-year-old was set to be out for between three and four months, meaning he would likely have to sit out England’s autumn campaign.
But on Wednesday, Slade said he hopes to return for Exeter at some point in October. ‘It’s going well. I only had the operation four or five weeks ago, so considering that I’m in pretty good shape,’ Slade said of his injury recovery.
‘It’s a 14-to-16-week injury normally, but I’m pushing trying to get that down to 12 weeks. I’m in week five now.
England centre Henry Slade has revealed he plans to return to full fitness ahead of the country’s four blockbuster November Tests
Slade was a surprising omission from England’s 2023 World Cup squad but has responded impressively
England head coach Steve Borthwick will be boosted by Slade’s hopeful availability
‘I’m hoping to get back for a game or two before the autumn. I’m working double hard, as hard as I can. Jamie Fulton, the Exeter Chiefs physio, specialises in shoulders, so we’re trying to push the boundaries with what we can do as early as possible. We’re working hard and getting things done. Hopefully, I can get back as soon as possible.’
After his surprising omission from England’s 2023 World Cup squad, Slade responded impressively in the 2023/24 campaign.
He was named Premiership player of the year and returned to Borthwick’s set-up as a key figure in the midfield.
His now likely and surprise availability for England’s November matches with New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan will undoubtedly please Borthwick given the player’s experience and form. Slade battled on with his shoulder problem after initially suffering the knock against Scotland during the Six Nations.
He realised he needed to go under the knife after England’s summer tour of Japan and New Zealand.
Slade was named Premiership player of the year and returned to England’s set-up as a key figure in the midfield
Fitness guru Aled Walters (pictured left) has abandoned his England role alongside defensive coach Felix Jones (right)
Slade was made England defensive captain by defence coach Felix Jones, who shocked the RFU with his decision to move on after just seven months in the role.
The RFU and Jones are currently in discussions over how long he will stay given he has a 12-month notice period. Alongside Jones, fitness coaches Aled Walters and Tom Tombleson have also moved on, leaving Borthwick to deal with significant upheaval.
‘I thought the camp felt and seemed pretty settled,’ Slade admitted.
‘There is going to be a lot of change now. I’m sure Steve and the coaches will get a good team in place to get the boys going forward. As players, there’s not much we can do.’
