Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade has dismissed any talk of international retirement, insisting he still has a “big desire” to represent England despite a frustrating spell out of the side.
The 31-year-old has been overlooked in recent squads under Steve Borthwick, managing just one appearance in England’s last 10 Tests.
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He told Rugby Pass: “Obviously, I want to play for England. I haven’t been, which is frustrating. But yeah, I definitely want to play for England.”
Slade revealed he has held honest conversations with Borthwick about his current position, as England continue to evolve in this World Cup cycle.
“We had some good conversations back and forth about what he wants, what I want, and what we want to do.”
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He admitted both England’s results and his own lack of involvement have been difficult to take.
“It was obviously disappointing for England in terms of how we finished and some of the results. But also personally disappointing about the non-existent game time.”
Still determined to force his way back
With fierce competition in midfield, Slade accepts England are exploring different options—but believes he still has plenty to offer.
“There are some quality centres about. I guess I’ve got quite a few caps, and maybe it’s a time where Steve wants to try out other things. I think he knows what I can do.”
While hinting he may not currently fit Borthwick’s plans, he remains determined to fight his way back into contention.
“Maybe they’re not quite aligned at the minute with myself, but I really still have the big desire to play for England.”
Back at Exeter Chiefs, Slade is focusing on strong club form to reignite his chances.
“I feel like we’re going well at Chiefs personally, and as a team. I think it always helps when the team’s going well.”
A broken hand suffered on the Argentina tour has also disrupted his momentum, adding to his frustration.
“I think it’s one in the last 10 international games that I’ve been a part of, something like that. So it’s been a frustrating time.”
For now, Slade’s message is clear—keep performing and keep pushing.
“I just want to try my best and do everything I can to get back in the team.”
Retirement talk may be growing—but Slade isn’t going anywhere just yet.
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Springboks Dominate 2026 World XV
Based on current form and influence, we have selected a best XV in world rugby right now, choosing the standout player in each position.
15 Thomas Ramos
Cold as ice and arguably the best kicker in the world, Ramos proved it when he slotted France’s match winning kick in the Six Nations.
Even without that unforgettable moment in Paris, he was outstanding throughout the championship. His goal kicking was close to flawless and his playmaking from fullback made him a crucial attacking weapon.
He even moved to fly half against Italy and looked completely comfortable, highlighting his versatility. Performances like that make his place in this team fully deserved.
14 Louis Bielle-Biarrey
At just 22 years old, Louis Bielle-Biarrey is redefining expectations for a winger. He is now Bordeaux’s all time leading try scorer and holds the record for the most tries in a single Six Nations, remarkable achievements so early in his career.
From a hat trick on his Champions Cup debut at 18 to helping deliver Bordeaux’s first European title and claiming Six Nations Player of the Tournament honours, his rise has been rapid and emphatic.
Nine tries in the recent championship is extraordinary and he continues to improve.
13 Tommaso Menoncello
Italy will be pleased with their campaign, even though they slipped up against Wales in the final round.
Wins over Scotland and England, including their first ever victory against the latter, underline what was a highly successful tournament.
At the centre of that progress was Tommaso Menoncello. Although he played mostly at inside centre, he takes the outside centre position here due to the strength of options at 12.
Powerful with the ball in hand, he ranked among the top five for several carrying statistics and finished fourth for total jackals, highlighting both his defensive influence and attacking threat.
12 Stuart McCloskey
McCloskey has been central to everything Ireland produced in this Six Nations.
Losing the title in the final minute will hurt, but there were still many positives from a campaign that improved as it went on.
With six try assists, the joint highest in the tournament, along with the third most carries, the second most defenders beaten and the fifth most offloads, his influence is clear.
It is easy to see why he earns a place in this team.
11 Cheslin Kolbe
Few players divide opinion like Cheslin Kolbe, yet when the pressure is highest his impact is undeniable.
While discussion sometimes surrounds his club form in Japan, his Test performances offer a far clearer measure of his quality.
A two time World Cup winner, he has scored in finals, troubled the British and Irish Lions and delivered defining moments for South Africa.
Whether given space or forced under pressure, Kolbe consistently rises to the occasion.
10 Finn Russell
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu might have something to say about this choice.
Creativity at fly half rarely arrives with such control. Once seen purely as a maverick, Finn Russell has developed into a commanding playmaker who blends imagination with authority.
Over the summer he became the Lions’ main creative influence, shaping their most dangerous attacks with clarity and ambition.
Whether leading Bath or steering Scotland through tight Tests, he can shift momentum with a single decision.
At his best, Russell does more than manage a match. He controls its rhythm and direction, as he demonstrated during the recent Six Nations.
9 Antoine Dupont
Even a long spell out with an ACL injury has not diminished Antoine Dupont’s status as rugby’s benchmark.
His list of achievements is remarkable, including World Rugby Player of the Year in 15s in 2021 and in Sevens in 2024, three Six Nations Player of the Tournament awards, Olympic gold and numerous domestic and European titles.
The only player to win both of rugby’s major global individual awards, he represents sustained excellence across formats.
Five Top 14 titles and two European Cups underline his dominance at club level.
