Jonny Hill to leave Sale Sharks

The 30-year-old, who has 23 England caps and played for the British and Irish Lions during the 2021 tour, joined Sharks from Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2022/23 season. 

He has played more than 50 times for Sale, including 14 appearances this season, and has scored eight tries for the club. 

On the international stage, Jonny won his first test cap for England in the delayed 2020 Six Nations Championship.   

He scored his first international try against Italy in the 2021 Six Nations, and in May that year, was named by British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland for the summer tour to South Africa alongside Tom Curry.  

He played his last test for England in a warm-up game ahead of the 2024 Rugby World Cup. 

Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Jonny was probably the first really big name to come up here after I joined, and then people like Fordy and Luke Cowan-Dickie followed. At the time it made a real statement that we were serious. 

“He’s been brilliant for us whether he’s been playing or not. He comes across as someone who is incredibly chilled but he’s got a real physical intensity about him. He wants to impose himself and that attitude is really infectious among the group. 

“We understand his reasons for leaving but I’ll really miss him. He wants an adventure with his young family and we wish them all the very best.” 

Jonny said: “I want to thank the Sale fans because they’ve been fantastic with me and the team during my time here.  

“I’ve genuinely loved representing this club and I will always watch closely as a fan myself. I’ve got no doubt that this team has a bright and exciting future ahead.”