Hill confirms Chiefs departure

By Mark Stevens
13/3/20

Sam Hill says he will be doing everything he can to ensure his Exeter Chiefs career ends on a high note, after he confirmed today that this season will be his last at Sandy Park.

The 26-year-old centre has been a mainstay of Rob Baxter’s squad for a number of years now, amassing over 150 first-team appearances, as well as scoring 11 tries.

However, the Exeter-born back believes the time has come for him to test himself in a new environment within the Gallagher Premiership. From next season, Hill will be plying his trade with Sale Sharks, having joined the club on a two-year deal.

A product of the club’s highly-successful Academy set-up, Hill made his first team debut back in January 2012 in an LV= Cup fixture against Wasps. Since then, he has helped his hometown club to reach four successive Premiership finals, including their title-winning success of 2017.

He was also one of the club’s initial ‘golden group’ of homegrown talent, coming through the ranks alongside the likes of Luke Cowan-Dickie, Dave Ewers, Jack Nowell and Henry Slade.

Commenting on his departure, Hill said: “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.

“Obviously, there are still a few months to go before the end of the season and all my focus between then and now will be on playing my part to try and win the club some more silverware.

“Finally, I want to say a big thank-you to all the players, past and present, that I’ve played with, the coaches and staff at the club who have been brilliant, and also to all the supporters who have given me so much backing throughout my time as a Chief.”