Baxter reveals Exeter will open Henry Slade contract talks within weeks

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has confirmed that talks with England centre Henry Slade over the second year of his contract will begin within weeks, with the 34-year-old yet to commit his future to the club beyond the current season.

Slade, who has made 268 appearances for the Chiefs since starting his career on dual-registration at Plymouth Albion 15 years ago, holds a one-plus-one deal — meaning a second year must be activated rather than negotiated from scratch. Baxter was keen to clarify the distinction. “He isn’t out of contract. He’s got a one-plus-one. So, really, what were we doing? We’ll start discussing a month or so’s time before the deadline for year two comes into place — what his plans are,” the head coach said.

One of the last remaining players from the Exeter side that won the Premiership and Champions Cup double six years ago, Slade brings both experience and current form to the table. Baxter pointed to several factors that make a stay at Sandy Park the logical outcome. “Henry’s just been awarded an enhanced contract with England. So there’s lots of reasons for him to stay in this country. He’s clearly well thought of in the England camp. Obviously, he’s got a young family, well established here. He’s playing very well currently for us. He’s got a good contract.”

Despite the optimistic framing, Baxter acknowledged that the final decision is not entirely within the club’s control. “It will really be down to any contracts that happen, and if there’s any other offer that comes in that’s a better offer than playing for Exeter and staying in England. So some of this is out of my hands,” he said.

Slade, who has earned 78 caps for England, remains one of the most decorated players in the club’s history. Whether he extends that legacy at Exeter or pursues a lucrative move abroad — a path taken by several of his contemporaries — should become clearer over the coming months.