Saints prop Hill shocked by England call-up

Paul Hill has been named in England's Six Nations squad (picture: Sharon Lucey)

Hill was informed he would be part of the Six Nations squad in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

And the 20-year-old, who has made 13 appearances for Saints since joining from Yorkshire Carnegie during the summer, was left stunned.

“Initially I was speechless,” Hill said. “I had no idea and was genuinely lost for words; I think I just said ‘thanks very much’!

“I thought to myself, ‘Wow! This is it’. I haven’t stopped smiling since.”

Hill will join fellow Saints tighthead Kieran Brookes, hooker Dylan Hartley and lock Courtney Lawes in Jones’ first England squad.

It caps a remarkable rise to prominence for the youngster, who won the Junior a World Championship with Emgland Under-20s in 2014.

“I guess it’s come pretty thick and fast but I’ve been pleased with how I’ve coped with it. I’ve just tried to go with the flow,” Hill said.

“The hard work starts now, though. There are no Six Nations games this weekend, so I’m just going to keep my head down and focus on what’s coming up with the Saints. We’ve got a big few weeks.

“That’s not to say I’m not looking forward to it, but I won’t be overdoing the celebrations.”