Former England and British & Irish Lions rugby lock Jonny Hill has openly discussed his fulfilling transition to playing for Racing 92 in France, a move he describes as a profound personal ambition realized. Despite current regulations precluding him from representing England due to his overseas club commitments, the 31-year-old maintains a positive outlook on the prospect of future international appearances. Hill also reflected on his formative experiences during the 2018 South Africa tour as an invaluable learning period, and his surprising involvement in England's Six Nations triumph in 2020.
Rugby Star Jonny Hill Reflects on French Journey and International Ambitions
In a recent interview with BBC Radio Shropshire's "The Rugby Show," Jonny Hill, a seasoned rugby lock, articulated his contentment with his move to French Top 14 club Racing 92. Hill, a native of Ludlow, departed Sale Sharks last summer after a three-year stint to pursue his long-held aspiration of playing in France. This transition, however, currently renders him ineligible for selection to the England national team, a consequence of the Rugby Football Union's policy regarding overseas-based players.
Despite this, Hill, who boasts 23 caps for England, expressed his reluctance to definitively close the door on his international career, stating, "I don't want to rule anything out." He highlighted his positive experience in France, noting, "For me I've still got two years in France and I'm really enjoying it. I've got a young family here and it's been amazing so far." He further emphasized the timely nature of his move, observing that securing a position in French rugby becomes increasingly challenging for players significantly past the age of 30. "It's a dream come true," he added, underscoring the personal significance of this career chapter.
Hill recalled his initial call-up to the England squad for the 2018 tour of South Africa, where he served as an "apprentice." Although he did not feature in a match, he described this period as immensely beneficial for his development. He observed seasoned players like George Ford, Owen Farrell, Mike Brown, Ben Youngs, and former captain Chris Robshaw, learning about their on and off-field preparations. This exposure, he believes, was instrumental in shaping his career and contributing to his eventual England debut in 2020.
His first international appearance came in the COVID-affected 2020 Six Nations match against Italy, a tournament that England ultimately won. Hill humorously referred to his participation as a "back door entry" into the championship celebrations, candidly admitting, "I didn't really feel like I deserved to get my medal." Nevertheless, he proudly embraces the title of a "Six Nations winner."
As the 2026 Six Nations tournament commences, with France, the defending champions, facing Ireland in Paris, Hill noted the palpable excitement permeating France. He confidently predicted a victory for France, stating, "I think they will be too strong for Ireland." Looking ahead to England's opening match against Wales at Twickenham, Hill anticipated a comfortable win for the home side, suggesting it presents a significant opportunity for England to secure silverware and continue their improvement.
Jonny Hill's journey provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of a professional rugby player balancing international aspirations with personal and club commitments. His dedication to his craft, evidenced by his meticulous observation during his 'apprentice' phase and his continued optimism for an England return, serves as an inspiring example. Furthermore, his insights into the current Six Nations tournament offer a compelling preview of the competition from a player's perspective, highlighting the passionate rugby culture in France and England's promising outlook.