ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Henry Slade working ‘doubly hard’ to return from injury for England’s autumn tests

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Friday Sep 6, 2024

Exeter Chiefs and England star Henry Slade is racing against time to find himself fit for the November internationals following a shoulder operation last month.

Having had the operation on his right shoulder just five weeks ago, the 31-year-old is currently recuperating in the west-country, surrounded by friends, family, and most importantly, shoulder specialist Jamie Fulton, the Exeter physio.

It was back in March of this year that the injury first occurred whilst playing for England when the talented centre collided with giant Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe at Murrayfield.

Despite absorbing a labral tear to his right shoulder, Slade powered through the remainder of the season, even going on tour to Japan and New Zealand. Choosing to have the operation during the off-season, Slade hopes to be back in action for the All Blacks’ visit to Twickenham on the 2nd of November.

“It’s a 14-to-16 week injury normally but I’m pushing trying to get that down to 12 weeks,” Slade said.

I’m in week five now, so I’m hoping to get back for a game or two before the autumn. I’m working doubly hard, as hard as I can. Jamie Fulton, the Exeter physio, specialises a lot in shoulders, so we’re trying to push the boundaries with what we can do as early as possible.

“It happened against Scotland in the Six Nations. I was diving to tackle Duhan van der Merwe when he scored that try when he ran the length. I dived and landed on my shoulder and felt a bit of a rip around the bottom.

“Then there was a tackle in the second half where I felt the same thing. Since then it was playing up every week – any sort of tackle was pretty sore, so I had to get it sorted ASAP. I have been tackling with my left shoulder! Passing was fine, it was more contact, tackling and carrying.”

Speaking about the recent loss of England defensive coach Felix Jones, Slade hopes that whoever comes in will build upon the progress made in recent months within the international setup.

“I really enjoyed working with Felix. I thought he was a really good coach. It was a bit of a shock him leaving but everyone has got their reasons.

“It will be interesting to see what it looks like going forward now. We don’t know who is coming in.

“You want to be involved any time you can. Hopefully there is someone fighting my corner. I do really enjoy defending like that. It’s an incredibly aggressive way of defending, if we can keep going with that I’d be really happy.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    'Obviously, rugby is there, but I want to make this dream come true'

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    USA head coach Scott Lawrence offers insight into rugby law variations

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Connacht Rugby bringing the vibes ahead of the URC season



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 15 HOURS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All