Saracens sign cover for Hill.

browner · Post by **browner** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:56 pm

SARACENS have handed a trial to former France A flanker Emmanuel Amapakabo as they seek to replenish their stock of back-row forwards.

Head coach Steve Diamond is keen to add a seasoned loose forward to compensate for the loss of Richard Hill and Amapakabo's Heineken Cup experience with Toulouse and Brive and ball-carrying ability makes him an attractive option.

The strapping Ivory Coast-born 31-year old reported for training this week and Diamond has been impressed with what he has seen so far.

"He's a very, very big lad with Heineken Cup experience and could be the type of player we are after," said the head coach. "He's with us for a while and we'll see how he goes."

Hill, meanwhile, underwent the knife on Saturday to reconstruct the knee he damaged in the Lion's first Test match agains the All Black's.

"Hilly's had the op and now faces six to seven months of rehab," confirmed Diamond.

"He seems to be very positive about it and he knows the club will support him, but he's got a lot of hard work ahead of him."

browner · Post by **browner** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 5:40 pm

Could this be the end of Hill...............................

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 141802.stm

pwrmoore · Post by **pwrmoore** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:30 pm

Certainly seems like a tall order to miss the whole season and expect to come back to full time pro-rugby at 33. Shame.

barney · Post by **barney** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:34 pm

Very sorry to read about this, he's has more than his fair share of bad luck.

If this is the end of his career he'll be much missed. Hell of a player and a real gentleman off the pitch as well.

Best wishes to him.

Freddie Benson · Post by **Freddie Benson** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:57 pm

v unfortunate for Hill after missing most of last season as well
hope he can come back