Slater is enjoying his first taste of the England set up after being named in head coach Stuart Lancaster’s squad for this season’s RBS 6 Nations.
The Leicester Tigers lock has not yet featured in an England matchday squad but, instead, was released back to Tigers along with Ben Youngs to play a role in the hard-fought victory over Worcester Warriors at Sixways on Friday night.
Slater, who has been rooming with Youngs on England duty, says they were more than happy to return to Tigers.
“I was chomping at the bit,” he said. “I’ve loved being away with England and being part of the squad but first and foremost you want to play.
“I hadn’t played since that Ulster game so when Stuart Lancaster said I was coming back to play with Leicester I was more than happy to do it.
“I was really keen to get out onto the pitch.
“The same with Ben Youngs. We have a couple of points to prove and we do want to be part of that England side as well. There was a lot of incentive for us.
“It’s been great going away. I’ve learned a lot. My professional career has been spent at Leicester. To go away and work with players and coaches who come from a different background is great. Hopefully I’ll take away some bits and pieces away that will benefit me.
“The great thing about playing and learning at Leicester is that it sets you up for international rugby. The standards that are expected here can be applied to the England set-up as well.
“I’m really happy to be there.”
