Henry Slade enjoying 'dream start' to rugby career

Slade has played twice in the Championship for Plymouth Albion

Exeter Chiefs youngster Henry Slade says his first season in professional rugby has been a "dream".

The 18-year-old is playing for Plymouth Albion on a dual-registration deal and has established himself as their first-choice fly-half.

"It's been a dream start really and I'm just enjoying everything that I'm doing at the moment," he told BBC Devon.

"A couple of injuries went my way and I just got a chance and took it the other week," he added.

Slade made a try-scoring debut as Albion ran Cornish Pirates close at the Brickfields before eventually losing to a late score.

"I've grown up watching Plymouth so it was nice to put on the shirt and to score a try was probably one of the best tries I've ever scored," he said.

Slade was part of the England Under-18s side which won all three matches they played on tour to Australia over the summer.

But Slade says the experience of playing Championship rugby was like nothing he had ever done.

"It's a lot more physical because you're playing against men which I haven't really done before.

"It's also quite a bit more structured. Your game organisation has got to be right on the money, it's a good step up and it's a challenge I'm trying to take on," he said.