Prop star Hill signs new deal at Saints

Paul Hill played a starring role at Sixways last Saturday

The 26-year-old has made 125 appearances for Saints since joining from Yorkshire Carnegie in 2015.

Hill has also won five caps for England, all of them coming back in 2016.

Prior to his first Test cap for the Red Rose, Hill had represented his country at U17s, U18s, U19s and U20s level.

He took part in two Junior World Championship finals, including the 21-20 win over South Africa in 2014.

The 2018/19 campaign saw Hill make more starts than ever before for Saints and he was able to lift the Premiership Rugby Cup with the club.

The front rower brought up a century of black, green and gold appearances in December 2019 against Leinster in Dublin and notched his first Saints try against Leicester Tigers last season.

Hill was in superb form last weekend, delivering an eye-catching cameo against Worcester Warriors at Sixways, and he is happy to have signed on for more at Saints.

“I’m delighted to have signed another contract with Saints,” said Hill.

“I’m really enjoying my rugby in Northampton, and after almost six seasons here, Franklin’s Gardens feels like home.

“I believe I am constantly developing as a player within this environment.

"The quality we have throughout the front-row group is driving us to get better every day, so I’m excited to play my part with the boys as we try to progress even further, and challenge for more silverware in the not-too-distant future.”

Hill has really developed under the guidance of Saints boss Chris Boyd, forwards coach Phil Dowson and scrum guru Matt Ferguson

And Ferguson said: “I’m incredibly pleased for Hilly and we want to maximise his huge potential here at Saints.

"What we’ve seen from him over the last couple of years are much more mature performances in all aspects of his rugby.

“I really enjoy working with Paul; he’s a fantastic fit at the club and contributes to our game all over the park – whether it’s catching chips over the top and carrying the ball, or winning scrum penalties inside our own 22, there’s not many props that can do both!

“People forget how young he still is, so it’s a fantastic statement for Saints to be re-signing one of the best young tightheads in the league.

"I believe he’s still got the best years of his career ahead of him, so I’m looking forward to seeing him evolve in a Northampton jersey.”