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Hill: Retiring

I've got mixed feelings at the moment because on the one hand I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in rugby; while on the other it's also the start of a new chapter in my life.

Richard Hill
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Saracens flanker Richard Hill has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.

Hill was part of England's glorious 2003 World Cup-winning squad in Australia, and had also represented the British & Irish Lions on three tours.

The 34-year-old has 71 caps for England overall and scored 12 tries, but now says that the current season will be his last.

Hill is a one-club man and has made almost 300 appearances for Saracens since making his debut back in 1993.

Injuries have plagued Hill since the 2003 World Cup win, with a knee ligament injury in October 2004 forcing him to undergo reconstructive surgery.

End of the line

Although he will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season, Hill has revealed he is currently discussing a future role with Sarries.

"Going into this season, I always knew it was going to be the last one," said Hill.

"After chatting to the medical staff at the start of the year we agreed it was probably time to give up and we set out a goal of playing a reduced number of games over this season and I'm well on course to hit that.

"I've got mixed feelings at the moment because on the one hand I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in rugby; while on the other it's also the start of a new chapter in my life.

"I've loved being part of the game and at the end of this season it will mark 30 years of me playing the game - 15 for Saracens and 15 for Salisbury."

Saracens role

Hill has been discussing his options with Saracens and there could be a coaching role in the future for him at Vicarage Road.

"I've been chatting to a number of people and organisations to get advice to try and prepare myself for the future as best I can and that has included some very pro-active talks with Saracens about a role with the club.

"This is an important time of my life and I want to see what opportunities are out there but I doubt that I will be able to just walk away from the sport.

"However, we've come to an important part of the season at Saracens and all my attentions will now be focused on that.

"We've not achieved anything yet, but we've put ourselves in a good position in all three competitions and the opportunity is there for the club to enjoy a good season - that's something that we all want."