Workaholic Henry Slade was never going to be fazed

Exeter academy manager Robin Cowling has backed rookie Henry Slade to take his World Cup call-up in his stride.
Slade’s superb debut in the 19-14 victory against France a fortnight ago was enough to convince Stuart Lancaster that the 22-year-old centre is ready to take on the biggest challenge of all.
“Watching that game against France, you wouldn’t have thought it was his first cap. That’s his nature, every step he takes, he takes very naturally,” said ex-England prop Cowling.
“It’s not been an easy pathway for him but he’s always been a dedicated and focused sort of lad. In his first year he was combining full-time rugby with his studies at Exeter University and it was a bit of a struggle.
“But it was clear he’d much rather be on the pitch than in the lecture room, and whenever possible he’d be at the club working with coaches Ricky Pellow and Ali Hepher on his decision making and game understanding. Both saw his huge talent and commitment.”
Slade is joined in England’s squad by team-mates, winger Jack Nowell, below, and newly-signed lock Geoff Parling, meaning Exeter and Leicester are equally represented. They would have had more had Luke Cowan-Dickie made the cut.
Once Exeter had to wait the best part of 50 years for an England international. Up until February 2014, when Nowell burst onto the scene, flanker Tom Johnson was the Chiefs’ only full England international of the professional era, and their first since Martin Underwood in 1964.
The Chiefs’ ability to develop talent shows no signs of abating, with three players in each of this summer’s England U18 and U20 squads.
Two more, Max Bodilly and Sam Simmonds, are also tipped for top careers, despite having no age-grade honours.
Cowling said: “It’s good for the morale of our academy staff and for the area. People can see the club gives them a chance.
“Rob Baxter (Chiefs boss) was Exeter University coach for a bit and Ali was academy manager at Northampton. They’ve bought into the academy system and know you must be patient with young players.
“The selection of Henry, Jack and Luke, who were in the same Truro College team, has put us on the map.”
JON NEWCOMBE