Richard Hill MBE England & Saracens Legend Networking Breakfast

Richard Hill was part of the England squad for the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup. During the opening game of the English campaign, against Georgia, he picked up a hamstring injury in the 50th minute.

His absence for the remaining pool games against South Africa, Samoa and the quarter final against Wales was pinpointed as a major factor as to why England looked far from the world beaters they would eventually become.

He was in the starting line up for the semi-final against France. England easily coped with the much-vaunted French back-row. He played a key role in helping England defeat Australia in the final.

In January, 2008 he announced that he would retire at the end of the current Guinness Premiership season, due to the toll taken upon his knee since his two injuries. However, in April 2008, his man of the match performance in the Heineken Cup Victory over Ospreys confirmed his continued ability to perform at the highest level, even when playing on almost one leg. On May 11, 2008, Hill played his last game for Saracens with a 25-20 win over Bristol.