Henry Slade's Leadership Sparks Exeter Chiefs' Historic Comeback to Final
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter credited Henry Slade for his pivotal role in guiding the team to the Premiership final. Slade, a 33-year-old England centre, has displayed remarkable leadership and is currently in "world class form", according to Baxter. During the semi-final against Bath on Saturday, Slade was temporarily sidelined after receiving a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on. However, he returned to the pitch, playing a crucial part in a remarkable comeback, helping the Chiefs overturn a 26-10 deficit to secure a 27-26 victory. This win marked a historic achievement as Exeter became the first team to reach the final after finishing third in the regular season. Baxter reflected on Slade's impact, noting: "Our most experienced player did the stupidest thing on the field... but he's been great and he talks really well." Slade's experience and past successes instill confidence in his teammates, helping them believe in their potential. Having earned 74 England caps and participated in the 2019 World Cup final, Slade is one of the few remaining players from Exeter's glory days, where they reached six consecutive Premiership finals and won titles in 2017 and 2020. As Exeter prepares to face Northampton Saints at Twickenham next Saturday, Baxter expressed hope that departing players like Scott Sio can conclude their time with the club on a high note. He emphasized the importance of experiencing a successful season for newer players, stating he wants them to feel what a great Premiership season entails.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-14