Veteran England prop Chris Hill, aged 37, has revealed his decision to join Salford Red Devils over Leeds Rhinos, despite being left out of England’s recent two-Test series against Samoa. After departing Huddersfield, Hill is set to continue his rugby career under Paul Rowley at Salford, and he insists he’s not ready to hang up his international boots, no matter the challenges.
In an exclusive interview with *Love Rugby League*, Hill shared insights on his move, his loyalty to the national team, and his hopes for the future of British rugby.
A Fresh Start with Salford
Following a tough year for Huddersfield, where the club finished a disappointing 10th and head coach Ian Watson lost his position, Hill decided it was time for a change. Although he received interest from other clubs, he ultimately chose a one-year deal with Salford, partly to avoid the commute to Leeds and partly because of his relationship with Rowley and assistant coach Kurt Haggerty.
“Rowls was a huge reason for me choosing Salford,” Hill explained. “I’ve known him for years, and the setup at Salford feels right. At this point in my career, I didn’t want the long commute to Leeds, and I wasn’t keen on moving my family. I’m confident I made the right choice.”
Hill had also heard good things about Salford’s team environment from players like Marc Sneyd, which influenced his decision. “They all told me how enjoyable it is to play at Salford. After talking to Rowls over the years, I felt it was time to take that leap.”
LDespite his affinity for Huddersfield, Hill was set on moving on. “Even if they had offered me a new deal, I wouldn’t have stayed,” he admitted. “Luke Robinson needs to make his own mark as a coach, and I wish him all the best.”
Unwavering Commitment to England
Hill’s international career has spanned over a decade, and he’s adamant it’s far from over. Despite missing out on the squad for the recent wins over Samoa, Hill is determined to keep himself available for England.
“I’ll always be here for England until I fully retire,” he said. “The Ashes series is next year, and I’ve told Waney [head coach Shaun Wane] I’m ready to contribute in any way I can. I still feel I’m among the best props, and if I thought I was no longer at that level, I’d have stepped aside.”
Yet, he shared his disappointment over the lack of sold-out stadiums for these matches, noting that the turnout fell short of the excitement international games deserve. “We should be playing in front of packed crowds. It’s the pinnacle of a player’s career, and seeing 15,000 fans when the stadium holds much more was disappointing.”
Concerns for British Rugby’s Future
Hill is vocal about his concerns for British rugby’s growth, especially when comparing the sport’s trajectory in the UK to Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL). “The NRL is growing rapidly, while Super League seems to be slipping behind,” Hill commented. “The Sky TV deal has shrunk, and clubs are missing out on essential revenue.”
He highlighted that while celebrities are increasingly promoting the game, the sport’s financial health depends on stronger broadcasting deals, bigger sponsors, and, ultimately, a broader audience.#“To grow rugby league, we have to grow the international game. That will trickle down to both the NRL and Super League, but it all comes down to cash. Right now, only so many club owners are willing to write checks to cover losses.”
Hill hopes next year’s Ashes series can serve as a turning point. “The Ashes will be a massive indicator for us,” he noted. “I’d love to see British rugby league reach its full potential by the time I step away from the game.”
In his next chapter with Salford, Hill is ready to focus on enjoying his rugby and making the most of his final years as a player, all while remaining dedicated to England and hopeful for the sport’s future.