Hill rewarded with long-term contract
‘Physicality’ and ‘leadership’ are the attributes Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan highlighted as the reason the club have handed England international flanker Ted Hill a long-term contract having initially joined from Worcester Warriors on a short term deal
The 23-year-old, who made his debut in the victory over Northampton Saints on Saturday, was highly sought after with Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears among the Premiership rivals for the backrower’s signature.
Hill came through the Academy ranks at Worcester Warriors and debuted for their senior side aged 18. His development saw him earn his first England cap just over a year later with a second international appearance coming in the summer of 2021.
The years in between saw Hill establish himself as a leader for his hometown club and he was appointed Warriors’ youngest ever club captain at 21, succeeding fellow Bath teammate GJ van Velze.
Under his stewardship, Worcester won the 2021/22 Premiership Rugby Cup - the first major trophy in their history.
“Ted is an extremely diligent and talented young man,” van Graan said.
“He is a fantastic athlete who offers great physicality in his ball carrying as well as in defence.
“His leadership in what has been a difficult period has been phenomenal and it will add huge value to our squad on and off the field.
“We are really excited to have him with us and I believe he will make a positive difference in the way we want to progress as a club.”
Hill joins former clubmate Ollie Lawrence in signing a long-term deal with Bath following Worcester going into administration.
Forward Fergus Lee-warner has also signed a deal until the end of the season while fly-halves Billy Searle and Jamie Shillcock have put pen to paper on short-term contracts.
■ On the pitch, Dave Attwood has been handed a three-week suspension following a decision made by an independent disciplinary panel, charied by Martin Picton - who was sitting with Alastair Campbell and Mitch Read - on Tuesday.
Attwood was cited for punching or striking contrary to World Rugby Law 9.12 in Bath’s win over Northampton Saints.
The ban means that Attwood will miss the games against Newcastle Falcons on November 5, Leicester Tigers on November 11 and Barbarians on November 20.