Sale add Exeter's Sam Hill to their midfield for next season

Sale Sharks have announced the signing of Exeter’s Sam Hill for the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season on a two-year deal. The 26-year-old centre, known for his physicality and abrasive style of play, has made over 150 appearances for the Chiefs since making his Premiership debut in 2013.

Hill was fast-tracked into the Exeter ranks from their academy alongside a crop of current England internationals including Luke Cowan-Dickie, Henry Slade and Jack Nowell. Hill was initially sent out on loan to Cornish Pirates and developed his talents further over two seasons in the Championship before being selected by England for the 2013 World Rugby U20 Championships.

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That kick-started his Exeter career and he has since established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His new boss, Sale’s Sam Diamond, said: “We are exceptionally pleased to have secured Sam’s services for the foreseeable future, and I’m looking forward to welcoming him to Carrington over the summer. 

“As we continue to develop our strength in depth and look to challenge at the top end of the table, it is important we have two exceptional players in each position. I feel Sam is the perfect candidate to provide another hard-hitting option for us in the centres, along with bringing a huge amount of Premiership and play-off experience to the club.”

Hill added: “I’m really excited to have signed. I’m at a point in my career where I feel the time is right for a change of scenery and I was delighted when Steve approached me about signing. Sale are a club with huge ambition and a lot of quality in their squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead in Manchester.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time with the Chiefs. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to be part of an outstanding squad of players and enjoyed some incredible moments, both on and off the field.

“I feel privileged to have played so many times for a team that, when I was growing up, I dreamed of playing for. To now say I’m leaving the club is incredibly tough, but I’ve come to the point in my career where I feel like a new challenge will be beneficial to me.”

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