Henry Slade set to return for Exeter Chiefs ahead of England's Autumn Nations Series fixtures - 'He's important to us'
Published 23/10/2024 at 22:40 GMT+1
England's senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth has confirmed Henry Slade will be fit for the Autumn Nations Series. The matches get underway on November 2, when Steve Borthwick's side welcome the All Blacks to Twickenham, live on TNT Sports. Slade has not played for Exeter Chiefs this season due to shoulder surgery. But he will make his return for the Chiefs in the Premiership this weekend.
Biggar, Austin debate how Slade and Spencer can be 'key' for England
Video credit: TNT Sports
England star Henry Slade has received a timely boost in his race to be fit for the Autumn Nations Series.
The 31-year-old has been given the green light to make his return from a shoulder injury by featuring for his club side, Exeter Chiefs, against Harlequins this weekend.
It will mark the first time the double Six Nations winner has played this season. He has been out of action since requiring surgery after England's tour of New Zealand in the summer.
The two teams go face-to-face again at Twickenham on November 2, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
And ahead of that clash, the Red Roses are desperate for Slade to take a step closer to match fitness.
“Both he and we are keen for him to get some minutes on the weekend,” said senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth
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“He’s going to train with Exeter, and then get some game-time this weekend."
Slade has flown home from an England training camp in Girona to take part in the fixture.
The news will come as a big boost to the Chiefs, who are only one point off bottom spot in the Premiership after losing their opening five games.
The 31-year-old, who has 57 international caps to his name, was the Player of the Year in the top flight last season, and originally picked up the shoulder problem during the Six Nations.
And although he has not stepped foot on a field since mid-July, Wigglesworth is sure it will not take him long to find his feet.
“When you have the experience and class he has, and he’s used to the systems we run, it definitely speeds up the process," he added.
“You see he is a really senior man in that Exeter team, which I think has added to his game.
"He’s an important part of the teams in which he plays, and that’s testament to how he has kept growing. It’s easy to stand still and he hasn’t done that. He’s important to us.”
Which Autumn Nations Series matches are on TNT Sports?
In April, it was announced that TNT Sports would broadcast every game of this year's Autumn Nations Series. Below is the full list of fixtures and kick-off times (GMT).
WEEK 1
November 2
- England v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Scotland v Fiji, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
WEEK 2
November 8
- Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 9
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- England v Australia, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Italy v Argentina, Stadio Friuli, kick-off: 17:40
- France v Japan, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 10
- Wales v Fiji, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 13:40
- Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 16:10
WEEK 3
November 15
- Ireland v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 16
- Scotland v Portugal, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- England v South Africa, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
- France v New Zealand, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 17
- Italy v Georgia, TBC, kick-off: 13:40
- Wales v Australia, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 16:10
WEEK 4
November 22
- France v Argentina, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 23
- Ireland v Fiji, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Wales v South Africa, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
- Italy v New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 24
- Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 13:40
- England v Japan, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 16:10
WEEK 5
November 30
- Ireland v Australia, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
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Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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