Slade's joy at Rugby World Cup call-up

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs star Henry Slade has spoken of his delight after he was today named as one of Stuart Lancaster's 31-man England squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Slade was given the nod, alongside club-mates Jack Nowell and Geoff Parling, for the tournament which kicks-off on September 28 when the Red Rose nation tackle Fiji at Twickenham.

Sadly, fellow Chief Luke Cowan-Dickie was one of those that Lancaster opted to release, but the young hooker does remain on England's standby list, should the need arise over the course of the competition.

For Slade, though, it caps a remarkable rise to the top for the Plymouth-born playmaker, who last season was named both Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players' Association's Young Player of the Year.

Now established as a key member of Rob Baxter's first team squad at Sandy Park, Slade - alongside Cowan-Dickie - was recently granted his first senior cap in England's 19=14 victory over France.

His debut outing, however, was mightily impressive and working alongside fellow rookie Sam Burgess, the duo formed a quality midfield pairing that clearly pleased the watching Lancaster.

As one of four centres named in Lancaster's squad, Slade's versatility to play at 10,12, 13 - and even 15 - means he will be a handy inclusion for the home nation.

Reflecting on his call-up, Slade told the England Rugby podcast: "This time last year I never really pictured myself in this position, but over the last few months it has become more and more of a reality. As things have progressed, the more and more excited I have become and I've just wanted to grab the opportunity.

"For all of us in the squad, it's like a dream come true, especially with the tournament being at home. I know it's a massive opportunity for me and it's one that I am looking forward to taking."

Earlier, Lancaster had addressed the media to confirm his squad and he admitted that when he told Slade he would be included, his reaction was simply "priceless."

"I know I smiled, but I think I was shocked as well," explained Slade. "Initially I didn't know what to expect going into the room, but I knew I was happy with my contribution throughout pre-season and also in the matches. I was just hoping I had done enough and thankfully I had. It's all pretty good!"

With three weeks until the start of the competition, Slade knows that he still has plenty to work on - particularly if he wants to figure in Group A against rivals Australia, Fiji, Wales and Uruguay - but he insists confidence is high within the England camp and that every player is ready to play their part.

"We've had a lot of time together and we've gelled really well as a squad," he added. "Over the last few weeks we've been through a lot of tough times together and we've had some really hard, tough sessions. That said, we feel we are ready and we're looking forward to getting out there."