Sam Hill to swap Exeter for Sale

Colin Newboult

Exeter Chiefs Sam Hill evades a challenge during during the Gallagher Premiership match at Sandy Park, Exeter.

Sale have announced the signing of Sam Hill from Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2020/21 Premiership season, with the centre agreeing a two-year deal at the Sharks.

The 26-year-old centre, known for his physicality and abrasive style of play, has made over 150 appearances for Exeter since making his Premiership debut in 2013.

He was fast-tracked into the Chiefs ranks from their academy alongside a crop of current England internationals, including Luke Cowan-Dickie, Henry Slade and Jack Nowell.

Hill was initially sent out on loan to Cornish Pirates and developed his talents further over two seasons in the Championship, before being selected by England for the 2013 World Rugby U20 Championships which kick-started his Exeter career.

Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond was delighted to be able to secure the signature of a proven Premiership operator ahead of next season.

“We are exceptionally pleased to have secured Sam’s services for the foreseeable future, and I am looking forward to welcoming him to Carrington over the summer,” Diamond said.

“As we continue to develop our strength in depth and look to challenge at the top end of the table, it is important we have two exceptional players in each position.

“I feel Sam is the perfect candidate to provide another hard-hitting option for us in the centres, along with bringing a huge amount of Premiership and play-off experience to the club.”

Speaking upon the completion of his move to Manchester, Hill added: “ I’m really excited to have signed for Sale Sharks, I am at a point in my career where I feel the time is right for a change of scenery and I was delighted when Dimes approached me about signing.

“Sale are a club with huge ambition and a lot of quality in their squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead in Manchester.”

Exeter Chiefs