Slade on idolising Beckham, diabetes and dogs
As England’s Quilter Internationals campaign is underway the England Rugby Podcast with O2 Inside line continues, as Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade talks candidly about his career to date, as well as life away from rugby.
“I was into football when I was younger, David Beckham was my idol so I probably had a couple of posters of him,” said Slade.
“I played football on Saturday’s then and I went down to watch my brother. He was playing down at Ivybridge Rugby Club and my age group were training on the pitch next door.
“I went and asked if I could join in as I liked the look of it and I absolutely loved it. I carried on playing football but I think it was clear from an early age I preferred rugby.
“By the time it got to around 14 or 15 you had to decide which to play because they both played on the same day, but I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted to play rugby.”
Slade also revealed how he likes to relax away from rugby, from playing golf with a pro, to doing yoga, or using adult colouring books. But there is one activity which takes up most of down time.
“I’ve got a dog called Frank, he takes up a lot of my spare time” he added. “He’s a cockerpoo and I was strict with him when he was a puppy and now he’s no hassle at all, I don’t even have to walk him on the lead going anywhere as he stays right next to me.
“He’s up there with my best mate, he’s basically like my son. He comes into town shopping and he comes everywhere with me.”
Also on the podcast Red Roses forward Vicky Fleetwood chats to Rachael Burford about how the role of candles in her life, her morning routine and her life on Instagram, while lock Abbie Scott gives us her three favourite tracks and why they mean so much.
The podcast is an addition to the popular O2 Inside Line video and live series that takes you into the England camp, providing insights into how England are preparing and getting fans closer to the team.
Make sure you subscribe to the podcast through this link to get them automatically downloaded on your device, or find us on your podcast provider.
