Henry Slade Reflects on Rugby Career and Personal Challenges

Henry Slade, the England international rugby player, has reflected on his career, noting the significant shifts in team dynamics and his personal journey managing diabetes. Speaking from Pennyhill Park, a place he has frequented for years as part of England's team hotel, Slade recalled a different atmosphere during his early days.

"When I first broke through it was 'speak when spoken to'," Slade said in an exclusive interview. He contrasted this with the current environment, suggesting that a figure like Henry Pollock might not have thrived in the England dressing room of 2015. His debut for England came in 2015, alongside Sam Burgess, in a World Cup warm-up match against France. Since then, he has played with numerous midfield partners.

Slade also discussed the challenges of managing Type 1 diabetes while pursuing a professional sports career. "You have to be disciplined as a diabetic, or you've got no chance of playing professional sport," he stated. "It's a challenge every day. Every five minutes you think about your blood sugar."

Despite these challenges, Slade remains focused on his aspirations, including the potential for a third World Cup. "I don’t want to jinx anything," he commented, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of sports. "I know how quickly things can change."

His career has included highs such as scoring international tries, including his first against Uruguay in the 2015 World Cup and his most recent against Argentina. However, he also experienced setbacks, such as not making the final squad for the 2023 World Cup training squad. Slade emphasized the importance of controlling what one can: "There are so many things that don’t go your way – injuries, selection, form. All you can control is how you turn up each day. It’s one person’s opinion on whether you play or not."

Slade came through the Exeter academy with Jack Nowell, and they both went on to represent their boyhood club and the national team. Slade's journey highlights the dedication required to succeed in elite sports, both physically and mentally, and the importance of adaptability in the face of personal and professional hurdles.