Hill signs contract extension with Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints can today announce that tighthead prop Paul Hill has signed a contract extension at Franklin’s Gardens.

The 26-year-old has made 125 appearances to date in Black, Green and Gold, and has thrived over the last three seasons in particular under the guidance of Director of Rugby, Chris Boyd, and Scrum Coach, Matt Ferguson.

Hill arrived in Northampton from Yorkshire Carnegie back in 2015, immediately catching the eye of Eddie Jones and winning five caps for England in 2016.

Prior to his first Test cap for the Red Rose, Hill had represented his country at U17s, U18s, U19s and U20s level – taking part 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 Northampton and lift the Premiership Rugby Cup, before the front rower brought up a century of Saints appearances in December 2019 against Leinster in Dublin.

Hill notched his maiden try in Black, Green and Gold in last season’s East Midlands Derby against Leicester Tigers – an astonishing 40-metre run-in – and has continued to impress this term both around the park with his ball-carrying ability, and in the set-piece as an aggressive and powerful scrummager.

“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.”

Ferguson added: “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.”