Slade: We want to finish with a flourish

HENRY Slade aims to use the frustrations of missing England’s final two Six Nations matches as fuel for the remainder of the year.

- By MARK STEVENS

The talented centre's absence from those crucial fixtures against Italy and Wales has lit a competitive fire within the 32-year-old that he’s now channeling into his upcoming challenges.

Determined to lead the Exeter Chiefs to a strong finish, after a campaign that has failed to hit any significant heights, Slade also has his sights set on a summer tour of sorts.

Although he harbours an outside chance of a potential role with the Lions in Australia, the playmaker is more realistic in his hopes of being part of Steve Borthwick’s plans for England’s two-game tour of Argentina in July.

“You never know,” he laughs when asked about whether he expects to receive a call from Lions head coach Andy Farrell. “It would be brilliant if I was part of it, but I won’t be expecting it.

“If I don’t make it, then getting on the England tour is the definite aim because that looks like an exciting summer as well.”

Having started the opening three games for England in the Six Nations, Slade was forced to watch from the sidelines for the other two fixtures.