Sale Sharks have confirmed that British and Irish Lions and England lock Jonny Hill will play to the club ahead of the 2022/23 Premiership season.
The 27-year-old, who had impressive performance in Exeter he made 108 appearances for Chiefs, and scored 30 times for them
Hill has nine England caps and he will play alongside his England teammates Bevan Rodd, Tom Curry, Raffi Quirke and Manu Tuilagi.
Exeter Sale director of rugby spoke about Hills sign-in to the club: “I’m really excited to be bringing Jonny to Sale Sharks.
“He’s a player who knows how to win and what it takes to grind out those big games and that sort of experience is invaluable. His on-field qualities speak for themselves but what sets him apart for me is that he’s a genuinely good bloke and will no doubt add to the environment and culture that we have here.
“Having spoken to Jonny on a couple of occasions, I was really impressed with his appetite to improve and it’s exciting that he wants to do that at Sale Sharks. It tells me that we have a player of international class who believes in the club’s ambition, the culture that we’re building and wants to be apart of it, for me that’s mega.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Jonny on board for next season and can’t wait to welcome him to Manchester.”
Sharks CEO Sid Sutton added: “We’re really pleased to be bringing in a player of Jonny’s class to help push the club forwards and achieve great things.
“We’re a club with aspirations and to sign someone of Jonny’s class demonstrates that. I had a really good chat with him and discussed the culture, our values and the journey the club are on and his personality fits perfectly. I spoke to Tom Curry about the potential of signing Jonny and he was full of praise for not only his ability on the pitch but what a good bloke he is off it.
“This is a massive signing for everyone involved with the club – players, staff, board and our Sharks Family too who I’m sure will make him feel very welcome next year.”
Skinner said: “I’m massively excited to make the move north next season. The URC is an extremely competitive league and I’m really looking forward to testing myself in a new environment with a great group of lads.
“I want to challenge myself and grow as a player and Edinburgh is the perfect place to do that. I can’t wait to get stuck in, help the club to success while really experiencing Edinburgh and Scotland.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Mike [Blair]. I obviously worked with him for a period of time at Scotland and I like how he communicates and connects with players, while motivating them at the same time. He has Edinburgh playing an exciting brand of rugby and I believe it will suit my own playing style too.
“I can’t wait to get started next season. It’s such an exciting time for Edinburgh Rugby and I’m really looking forward to being part of the journey moving forward.”
