Sale forward Hill close to France or Japan move

Jonny Hill has played 23 times for England

Departing Sale Sharks forward Jonny Hill says he is close to finalising a move abroad to either France or Japan for next season.

The 30-year-old England and British and Irish Lions lock joined Sale from Exeter in 2022 and has made more than 50 appearances, including 16 this season, for the club.

Ludlow-born Hill said he was keen to see what rugby was like outside of the UK.

"Being a farmer's son growing up in Shropshire [I'm] so lucky to play a sport that gives you the opportunity to travel the world and see different places," he said.

"I just thought these opportunities, once the rugby career's finished, I'm not going to get the chance to do that.

"I'm in negotiations for potentially heading over the water to play in either France or Japan. I've just got to dot a few Is and cross a few Ts, and then we'll see."

Cricket helped 'grieving' over World Cup omission

Rugby has not been the only sport close to Hill's heart.

A keen cricketer all his life, Hill played in the Shropshire league for Corvedale and he says the club were a bit of a sanctuary for him when he missed out on selection by England for the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

After his omission from Steve Borthwick's squad for the tournament in France, Hill sought out his old cricket club to help get over his disappointment.

"It's always difficult not getting selection," Hill told BBC Radio Shropshire's 'The Cricket Show'.

"As part of my grieving, I went and played for Corvedale and had a good day."

That was something of an understatement, with Hill taking 6-27 from 10.3 overs in a win over Lilleshall thirds.

"There was a slight hill and I'm 6ft 7in, so I guess the people in that league weren't used to the ball coming at them from that sort of angle," he said.

"I always enjoyed it. With cricket you're able to play against senior players quite early so I enjoyed playing men's sport at an early age.

"Just doing other things away from your craft is really important as a professional athlete and going away and doing something else can freshen you up."

Hill is now focused on helping the Sharks win the Premiership title after their win over his former club Exeter booked Sale a play-off semi-final away to Leicester Tigers.

But once the post-season is over, Hill's attention will turn to the prospect of a fresh start to his rugby career and his is keen to "maximise" that opportunity.

"If I don't like it, I can always come home," he said. "So I'd rather give it a go than retire and regret it."