RFU Appoints Hill For Consultancy Role

Former England flanker Richard Hill MBE has joined the RFU as player pathway liaison manager, which will see the World Cup winner take up a consultancy role with England’s international performance coaches.

In his new role, Hill will help identify, mentor and develop young players, between the ages of 15-19, both on and off the field. He will also liaise between the RFU’s rugby executive staff and key external stakeholders of the governing body. 

This will include working with rugby clubs, regional academies, other unions, county representatives, government sporting agencies, players, their families, schools and other educational establishments.

Hill said: ‘I am delighted to take up this position in what is an exciting time for England rugby. The player pathway is a crucial part to ensuring England’s long-term success at the highest level. Over my playing and coaching career I have enjoyed working with and mentoring younger players. As a proud Englishman I look forward to continuing this at the RFU as we look past next year’s home World Cup to 2019 and beyond.’

The 41 year-old retired from rugby in 2008 following a serious knee injury, having been capped 71 times for England and five times for the British & Irish Lions.

Head of International Player Development Joe Lydon added: ‘We are pleased to welcome Richard to the team whose experience as a world-class player and coach will be invaluable to the RFU. He will play an important role within our player pathway working with our key rugby stakeholders as well as helping to identify talented players and provide advice, support and direction to them.’

The role will sit outside Hill’s obligations to the RFU Council, of which he has been a member since 2008.