Slade's perseverance paid off as he spearheaded a side that had been overhauled in the summer as long-serving stars like Jack Nowell, Sam Simmonds and Dave Ewers left.

But Slade, who himself was linked with a move to France before agreeing a new deal last week, stayed to help lead a side in which players such as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Dafydd Jenkins, Ethan Roots and Greg Fisilau came to the fore as the next generation of Exeter stars.

Slade also regained his place in the England squad for the Six Nations, where he started all five matches.

"Luckily that sort of paid off and I had a great group of boys to be doing it [with]," he said.

"The boys were working so hard, giving me opportunities to do it as well.

"So to then get back into their Six Nations squad was a massive, massive plus and something I was really, really happy with.

"I never even thought about a prize like this, the only thing I was ever thinking about was playing as well as I could for Exeter every week and try and get back and play for England.

"When the [player of the season] shortlist came out the other day I didn't really expect it at all, I was a bit surprised."