Henry Slade has assured England’s new management team that his best rugby years are ahead of him.
The 52-time capped Exeter star has a draw full of medals, most notably from 2020 when he won Premiership, European Cup, Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup in the space of 50 days.
Yet the changing of the guard at Twickenham has presented one of England’s silkiest midfielders with a fresh challenge - one he is ready to attack.
“I feel really good at the minute, that my best stuff is ahead of me,” said Slade, who faces Northampton today at Sandy Park.
“I am in good shape, sharp and quick, excited about what 2023 holds. I’m definitely not hanging on. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Slade, 29, warmed the bench in the autumn as Eddie Jones opted for twin playmakers in Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell with Manu Tuilagi at 13.
Save for the last 10 minutes against New Zealand, when Slade was on the field and England caught fire, the Australian failed to get a tune out of the attack and paid for it with his job.
Enter Steve Borthwick and Kevin Sinfield, given one month to prepare for the Six Nations and just nine for the World Cup.
The pair, who will work with new attack coach Nick Evans, say they have time to spark a turnaround and, after meeting up with each of them this week, Slade believes it too.
“Really impressed,” he said: “Steve is very detailed and knows exactly what he wants his players to do. I’m sure he’ll have a really clear plan.
“Kevin I had not met and I was struck by the presence he had when he spoke. It’s hard to put your finger on it sometimes.
“Some people just have a way that when they speak everybody listens; a presence, a respect. I’m very excited to work with him.”
Slade, pain-free again after a shoulder operation, is careful not to get ahead of himself. Borthwick does not name his Six Nations squad until Monday week. Exeter play twice between now and then.
“If you start thinking about selection too far down the line you come unstuck,” he said. “In the past I’ve worried too much about things outside of my control and missed out on maximising what’s right in front of me.”
Chiefs are hurting from their heavy loss at Saracens and Slade expects a response against in-form Saints.
It is not a given but if all goes to plan he will join new England in a fortnight on a mission to turn Twickenham’s autumn jeers to cheers.
“There is a really good group of players in England,” he said. “Huge potential and definitely belief.
“It’s about how we string it all together. That’s been the challenge over the past few years. It’s about consistency at the top level.
“I’m sure Steve and his coaches will do everything to enable us to do that.”
