Key Facts
| Squad | Leicester Tigers |
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| Position | Lock/Back row |
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| Age | 24 |
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| Height | 1.98m (6'6") |
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| Weight | 116kg (18st 3lb) |
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| Caps | 0 Test appearances |
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What began with a role as injury cover for LeicesterTigers has mushroomed into something extra special for Ed Slater with his call up for the Saxons an improbable accolade a year ago.
Playing as a lock or in the back row, Ed had gained experience with the Tigers Development XV in the semi-final and final of the Premiership A League in 2009-10 and shared in the ultimate victory over Harlequins A. He then joined Nottingham in the summer of 2010 before returning to Welford Road.
By the end of January this year, Ed had made 43 senior appearances, including 17 this season, 31 in the Premiership overall and eight in the Heineken Cup. He even had a stint in Australian club rugby for Eastern Suburbs during a working holiday around three years ago to broad his experience.
Born in Milton Keynes and still only 23, he once earned pocked money by delivering newspapers – a distant echo from his role as a professional player with burgeoning ambition. He spent two years in U15 and U16 ranks at Milton Keynes RFC before winning a senior call for the club. His exploits in Australia helped him to win a trial with the Tigers, who recognised his work rate, skills and physical presence.
He provided cover for Louis Deacon and Geoff Parling and won the club’s player of the month award in October 2010 along the way to the the Tigers’ 22-18 Premiership final defeat to Saracens at Twickenham, in which he featured off the bench.
Since he last played for Milton Keynes, the club has moved into lavish new facilities at Emerson Valley and a framed Tigers’ jersey, presented by Ed,hangs proudly in the clubhouse as a lasting memory of how the local boy has made good.
