Junior career Born in
Leicester, Slater began his rugby career at
Milton Keynes RUFC before moving to Australia. He established himself at
Eastern Suburbs RUFC, Sydney, in the under-21s side, and later played for the first team. He also enjoyed a short stint with the
New South Wales Waratahs, where he was signed on a junior contract. After a short trial with Leicester Tigers he joined Nottingham at the opening stages of the playoff campaign. Here he played alongside future Tigers teammate
Tom Youngs. His performances in the Championship playoffs and for the Tigers' development side earned him a move to his hometown club,
Leicester Tigers in the summer of 2010.
Leicester Tigers In 2009/10 Slater provided cover for long-term injuries to England international locks
Louis Deacon and
Geoff Parling, whilst the retirements of
Ben Kay and
Richard Blaze allowed him to break through to the first team squad. His consistent performances earned him Tigers' Player of the Month award in October 2010 and he went on to make over 30 appearances for the club in his first season. In the same season he helped Tigers top the leaderboard and make it to the Aviva Premiership final in the 2010–2011 season. A successful 2012/2013 campaign culminated in a Premiership winners medal for Slater, who was a used replacement in the final. ==International career==