LONDON – Exeter Chiefs’ player Henry Slade has won the Aviva Premiership’s Player of the Month as he furthers his case for international call-up for the Rugby World Cup.
Earning a call up for the England training squad to play Scotland, Slade was in fine form for the Chiefs throughout February as he assisted his side to an undefeated month seeing them move from fifth into third on the Aviva Premiership table.
Lauded by former England legend and BT commentator Austin Healy, it’s Slade’s versatility that supports his call up for the England squad with an ability to play in 12, 13 or at the back.
“There is no doubt in my mind the lad has the potential to win 50 caps or more for England. He is too talented and works too hard not to achieve Test caps,” Healy said.
“Henry is one of the best attackers in Aviva Premiership Rugby, is solid in defence and can kick goals – is there anything this lad can’t do? Those attributes make him a much deserved winner of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month Award for February.”
Slade beat an impressive shortlist of Elliot Daly (Wasps), Calum Clark (Northampton Saints) and Sinoti Sinoti (Newcastle Falcons) to win the award.