20 Questions: Ed Slater – Leicester captain

How’s pre-season been?
It has been really long but it’s a good thing because of the changes we’ve had in the coaching staff. It’s given Aaron Mauger more time to work.
What did he bring in?
He’s come with new ideas and that’s quite refreshing. We’ve been able to work on that for four months but we just want to get on with the season now.
Any specific things?
We had Matt O’Connor and Paul Burke for a long time. They were good coaches but Aaron wants us to play the game differently.
The new signings settling in?
First and foremost they are good people which is massive for our culture. They understand what we’re about and they bought into it.
Will the whole squad be used in such a packed season?
We’ve got 25 games in 25 weeks so we’ll need everyone to step up. We won’t be able to rely on the same XV. It’ll be tough.
Do you feel the pressure mounting after two tough seasons?
We’ve never talk about targets and expectations. The standard is that you follow people who played before you and won trophies. This season will be no different. Aaron has played for the All Blacks and the Crusaders so he knows about the pressure to deliver.
How can you return to the heights of a few years back?
We still made the semi-finals last season and we shouldn’t forget that. Our set-piece was really strong. Aaron will bring his experience in leading a backline and that’ll rub off on the boys.
Aaron and Geordan Murphy must be getting along well…
Definitely! They played together at the Tigers and they have huge respect for each other. They have similar ideas and I’m really glad Geordan stayed at the club.
Was last season as bad as it was often made out?
If you look at our stats, they suggested it was a disaster but we still finished third, one win away from Northampton and Bath.
Did you buy into the negativity?
No. We took the games one after the other. We had so many injuries we didn’t know what team we were going to have from week to week so we couldn’t really plan ahead.
Talking about injury, how was last season personally?
It was tough to watch my teammates without being able to help out. You can see what’s going on but there’s nothing you can do. It was really frustrating. Especially as it happened in my first game for England (against the Crusaders in 2014).
That shattered your World Cup hopes?
It was frustrating but I wasn’t going to sulk about it for ten months. We had a baby which was a good distraction. I was focusing on getting back fit. I managed to return before the season ended and made the World Cup training squad.
Only lasted three weeks unfortunately?
When it came down to it, I hadn’t played enough and was cut. George Kruis took his chance when I was out. Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes have been there and done and so did Geoff Parling and Dave Attwood. So I understood the coaches’ decision.
Looking for a comeback during the Six Nations?
That’s a big goal down the line. If I can string some good games together then it might happen but I’m not focusing on it too much.
What sort of captain are you?
Someone who plays well first. There’s a lot of experienced players in the squad. Most of the guys know what’s required of them and me shouting at them is not going to make a difference.
Quite a journey from someone who only started rugby ten years ago?
We have a laugh about that with my mates. I only started at 16. Then I went to Australia and ended up playing for the Eastern Suburbs under Mike Penistone. He coached at Leicester before and asked if I fancied a trial. Five years later I’m club captain.
Favourite cheat meal?
A big burger from Byron or fish and chips.
Three dinner guests?
Sir Alex Ferguson, Frank Skinner, the comedian, and Mike Skinner who’s the lead singer of The Streets.
Best and worst banter at the Tigers?
Jordan Crane is the worst but Fraser Balmain tells good stories.
Best and worst dressed?
Tom Croft and his flair jeans are awful. Owen Williams is sharp though.