New Wales captain Hill apologises for 2021 incident

Cory Hill has played 34 internationals for Wales

New Wales captain Cory Hill has apologised for his part in an incident three years ago in which a woman's house was damaged.

In May 2021, Hill was named among a group of men involved in the incident, which the woman said left her fearing for her and her children's lives.

He was not charged by police, but issued an apology through a statement at the time.

Hill was a Cardiff player at that point, but left Wales for a club career in Japan later that year.

After a three-year absence from the Wales team, Hill has returned to international rugby this summer and been picked by head coach Warren Gatland to lead his country against Queensland Reds on Friday.

Speaking to the media for the first time about the incident, Hill reiterated that he feels remorse.

"Do I regret it? Yes, of course I do," he said. "I made a mistake and I am sorry.

"It's about me coming back into the camp and proving my worth within the group, getting respect.

"I'm chuffed to be captain. I've done it before and I thank Warren for having the trust in me. It's a massive honour to lead the team again. I probably never thought I would get to captain Wales again."

Dealing with negative reaction

Hill, 32, featured as a replacement in the Test defeats against Australia in Sydney and Melbourne.

With regular skipper Dewi Lake not involved for the uncapped tour match in Brisbane, Hill has been given the captaincy, a decision that has provoked negative reaction on social media.

"There's always going to be negative reaction to mistakes someone has made in the past," said Hill.

"I've been honest and open here. The issue got dealt with by club and authorities three years ago. I hold my hand up and I am sorry for what happened.

"We've had a good discussion around it. Warren has put trust in me to come back into the team and add a bit of experience to the young group.

"I feel like I'm doing that and loved every minute being back here."

Second chances

Hill has led Wales before, having been co-captain with Ellis Jenkins for the 2018 summer tour matches against South Africa and Argentina.

Gatland says Hill was given the captaincy back for the final game of the season after careful consideration.

"We had a chat about what happened in the past and had a heart-to-heart about that," said Gatland.

"Cory said to me he made a mistake three years ago and he regrets what happened. Young men do make mistakes.

"It happened, we had an honest discussion and Cory was very up front with me.

"I've been clear people do make mistakes in life, with some decisions or actions they wish didn't happen."

Gatland said he believes people must be given a second chance.

"You can't keep holding everyone at ransom over that," said Gatland.

"At some stage, you've got to move on and that's what we're trying to do as a group.

"It's about putting that to one side and picking someone with that rugby experience and knowledge who has that respect from the rest of the players in the squad."

Gatland said he was "not looking at the past but looking at the future" by giving Hill the captaincy role.

"He's been brilliant in the group with that leadership and he's been good for this young group of players," he added.

"When you have someone with that sort of experience, people take notice of what he says."

Family first

Hill has returned to the Wales fold after leaving Cardiff for Yokohama Canon Eagles in 2021.

"The first two years in Japan, I was playing at the Canon Eagles with a couple of world champions and some Super Rugby players too," said Hill.

"It was massive learnings as a player, going out there and the intensity is high and I enjoyed that.

"I've loved my time in Japan and had some great experience and [am] probably bringing some from there back here."

Hill was named in Gatland's 2023 World Cup training squad before withdrawing to take up a club contract with a new side in Japan, this time fourth-division side Secom Rugguts.

He says that decision was based on his family.

"My wife was pregnant, it was a decision to guarantee I would be present at the birth of our first child," said Hill.

"It was a big decision, but ultimately I see family first. It enabled me to have a period off with our newborn baby and my wife, which someone can never take away."

Playing 'parks rugby' in Japan

Cory Hill was part of the Wales Six Nations winning sides in 2019 and 2021

His international recall this year was questioned by many, including former Wales lock Ian Gough, who said he was playing parks rugby in Japan.

"I've moved on to Secom, it's been said I've played a bit of park rugby over the last year, it's always nice from an ex team-mate!" said Hill.

"Me and Goughie are quite friendly and he messaged me afterwards, which was nice.

"I've loved my time in Japan and had some great experience and [am] probably bringing some from there back here.

"It’s just getting that bit between the teeth again. The chance to play Test rugby is phenomenal for me over the last two weeks."

Gatland is content with the way Hill has made the transition to the international game.

Gatland has talked about Hill playing in the 2027 World Cup in Australia, although the player has committed to another season with the Rugguts which makes international availability a challenge.

"I thank Secom for being so supportive and allowing me to tour here," said Hill.

"I'll have another year out there out there after we got promoted, but it's up to us to have discussions moving forward."