England forward’s return delayed due to police investigation as Premiership club put ‘barristers on the case’

Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson has detailed the club are still unclear on a possible return date for lock Jonny Hill, following further police delays.

Hill was caught-up in an altercation with a Bath fan after last season’s Premiership semi-final at the Rec, but the club are still awaiting the outcome of the process.

“No clarity”

Commenting on the issue, Sanderson detailed they don’t have an exact date Hill will return to the mix.

“We have no clarity on Jonny with regards to the exact date he is going to return. It’s still with the authorities at the moment, and we have to wait for whatever judgement passes down from them,” he told the media ahead of their clash with Gloucester on Friday night.

He added: “The guy who is supposed to be dealing with it is on annual leave.”

The initial incident took place over four months ago, following Sale’s defeat to Bath.

England forward involved in fracas after Premiership semi-final as supporter put in ‘headlock’ and ‘cut’

“I have to take deep breaths”

The situation is clearly a frustrating one for Sanderson, with Hill being a vastly experienced player, and the former Sharks skipper said he sometimes has to take ‘deep breaths’ when thinking about it.

“I have to take deep breaths and accept that it’s out of my control and out of Jonny’s at this point in time,” he said.

Sanderson added: “It’s not like we’re not chasing it up. We have got barristers on the case and have had since the start of this. It’s just a long process that is not conducive to professional sport.”

Whilst Hill has yet to recapture his form for Exeter in the North West, the towering lock has made 39 appearances for the club since making the switch in 2022, scoring five tries in the process. He also adds some decent Test experience to Sale’s squad, with 23 England caps to his name, as well as touring with the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

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