Not plain Sale-ing for Jonny
ENGLAND lock Jonny Hill admitted leaving Exeter for Sale made him feel like he had dumped his family.
The second row starts for England today against the Barbarians (2pm) at Twickenham one match into a comeback after five months out with a stress fracture of his shin.
That was tough but Hill admitted he choked up when he addressed Chiefs players after their last game of the season – even though his move up north was confirmed months ago.
Hill said: “I stood up in front of the boys after the last home game of the season against Harlequins and could hardly talk... I just cried and said ‘it’s been great, see ya!‘.
“I’ve got my head round the fact I am leaving Exeter. It was a crazy change for a while, really horrible and hard. It was like walking out on my family a little bit!
“It’s been an emotional time but I want to get the best out of my career. I want to get that next percentage from myself and hopefully a new environment will do that.”
Hill used his injury break to sort out his new digs near Manchester where he is renting a pad off Curry twins Tom and Ben.
The 28-year-old could land a spot on England’s summer tour to Australia if he does the business against the Baa-baas today after having his Six Nations wrecked.
Eddie Jones names his squad for the three-test series against the Wallabies tomorrow with the team jetting out on Tuesday.
Hill added: “To miss any campaign is really frustrating and you have a few dark nights. I’ve never been to Oz before and really want to be a part of it. I wanted to do everything I could to get on the tour.
“I’m now just dying to play rugby. Whether it’s five minutes or 80 I feel I am ready to go after all this time.”