Selfless Slater has new lease of life after Tigers exit
GLOUCESTER lock Ed Slater appeared to be on the scrapheap 18 months ago after being sent on his way by Leicester as part of the deal that took Jonny May to Welford Road.
However, he admits life at back-peddling Tigers feels a long way removed now as Gloucester approach the festive period aiming to cement third place under Johan Ackermann.
Slater, 30, said: “I’ve got massive respect for Johan and what he’s done here. He’s really created a feelgood atmosphere at the club and opened my eyes to a different side of rugby.
“I had a real bad patch where I was struggling with injury and not getting picked at Leicester, but I’m enjoying it under Johan and he’s brought together a good group of players.
“I was used to bish, bash, bosh rugby at Leicester but I feel I’ve been playing some of my best rugby in years here. Johan, along with our head of performance, Dan Tobin, has changed my attitude towards how I think about training and nutrition.
“I’ve managed to get in a lot better shape so I can get around the park better.”
Slater’s physicality has been influential in Gloucester’s fine start, although the arrival of South African lock Franco Mostert will make it harder for him to retain his place.
He adds: “You’ve got to expect competition at an ambitious club and it drives the standards.
“Franco is an absolute top quality second row which means we’re all going to have to step up again to another level. You’re either here for yourself or you’re here for the team – as a group we’ve decided it’s the latter.
“If the team’s doing well, brilliant. I’m at that age now where I’m not as selfish as I used to be when were striving to play international rugby. That selfish streak leaves you as you get older and I have a bit more confidence in my ability.”
With Premiership matches against Newcastle, Sale and Leicester over the Christmas period, he added: “We’re pleased with how we’ve played but Exeter and Saracens are leading the way in how to achieve the consistency to be regular top four challengers. This is a huge period for us.”