In Ben Youngs' own words:
“It’s humbling when this week comes around because you’re reminded of what (Ed Slater) did for this club as a player and as a person, but also the fight he’s going through now.”
Indeed while there will be no figurative punches pulled in Sunday's clash between a resurgent Gloucester side and Michael Cheika's Leicester Tigers, both sets of fans and players alike will likely pause and reflect this week about the continued fight of Ed, as he battles against motor neurone disease.
Ed's old teammate and friend, asked about the meaning of The Slater Cup, was honest in revealing just how much impact Ed's battle has had on a game with roots more than 100 years old.
“Obviously with Ed being so important to us, to Gloucester as well, the Slater Cup will mean this game will always have extra meaning for us both," Youngs said.
“It’s cruel. It’s very difficult to see someone who played the game the way Ed did, that abrasive style, the leadership; to see him going through this battle as a teammate, as a friend of course is very difficult.
“It highlights in many ways that in rugby you’re in this bubble and you go about your business but in reality, there are so many more important things in life.
“I think his mentality and fight epitomises Ed as the person I know, the teammate I played with and that’s something we can take inspiration from. He’s inspired so many and will continue to inspire many as well.”
THE SLATER CUP
Leicester Tigers vs Gloucester Rugby
3pm, Sunday, October 20
