Friday 17 April 2015 13:31, UK
Northampton Saints have confirmed the signing of England U20 tight-head prop Paul Hill from Yorkshire Carnegie.
A junior world championship winner in 2014, the 20-year-old is widely regarded as one of the country’s most exciting prospects.
Hill has played in England’s U16, U17, U18 teams and started four out of five matches in the U20s recent successful Six Nations campaign.
"I'm looking forward to challenging myself at one of the top clubs in Europe and learning from experienced international players,” said Hill, who has played 16 matches for Carnegie this term.
"It's an exciting time for me and I can't wait to work hard and continue developing. I would also like to thank everyone at Yorkshire for the help and support they've given me over the years."
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder believes that Hill has the ability to step up to Aviva Premiership.
“Paul is a tremendous prospect,” he said. "Over the past couple of years he has developed quickly, becoming a regular in the successful England U20 team and for Yorkshire Carnegie in the Championship.
“This is a tough league to play in, and he will have learned a lot playing against some experienced players.
“We believe that he has the ability to make the next step up in his career, and, given the huge interest he attracted from the Aviva Premiership’s top clubs, we are delighted that he has chosen to take that step with the Saints.”
Meanwhile, Carnegie announced the signing of flanker Andy Saull who will join the club from Newcastle Falcons on a two-year contract, beginning next season.
The London-born former England Saxons international previously played over 100 games for Saracens before moving to Newcastle in 2013.
“I am really pleased to have signed for Yorkshire Carnegie,” he said. “I have spoken to Bryan Redpath and Chris Gibson and they set out their vision for the future of the club and their plans to get in to the Aviva Premiership, so it is a very exciting time to be joining the club.
"There are a few players who I know in the Yorkshire Carnegie team, such as James Fitzpatrick and Chris Pilgrim from Newcastle and also I played with Jon Clarke in the Saxons and Charlie Beech and David Doherty for England U20s, so it will be good to work alongside them again.
“I have enjoyed my time at Newcastle, they are a great group of guys and I have made many lifelong friends, but I am now looking forward to the challenge at Yorkshire Carnegie and helping them achieve their ambitions."
Carnegie head coach Redpath said: "Andy is a quality player who I have admired for a long time and I am delighted he has agreed to join Yorkshire Carnegie.
“He has great leadership qualities and is an outright flanker and will provide good competition within our squad and I am looking forward to working with him next season."
