posted May 13, 2008

Even as a Welshman I am a big admirer of his. He provided the balance to the greatest back row I can recall. Most impressively, he was world class at 6, 7 or 8. I always thought he was a fantastic 7 earlier in his career, especially on the '97 Lions tour.

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posted May 13, 2008

this guy was GOD on the rugby team
when watchin england play years ago
i wud debate wiv my father on hu was playin well or not
hilly was always at the top of the list
the greatest ever back-row player
not far off

as a gr8 fan of 'the' jonny wilkinson
i maintain my belief that hill deserved more of the publicity and plaudits for englands victory
he will be sorely missed

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posted May 14, 2008

Richard Hil the silent assain was englands greatest back row forward and he will always be! His work rate was through the roof and he stole countless amount of ball. He is in my view the greatest forward to have ever played the game and possibly the greatest english player ever.

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posted May 14, 2008

What a player. I personally believe that England would not have won the world cup without him. They were never the same team without him in it. A true great of the game and one that will never be forgotten.

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posted May 14, 2008

Sorry Bok observer... know Eales was a lock but reading through my message it wasn't clear what I was saying. Just trying to say that Hilly is in that 'great player' bracket and when talking about great southern hemisphere forwards Eales was the first name to spring to mind. In fairness Hilly couldn't place kick as well as Eales to my knowledge... if he'd tried it though would probably have stuck them over from the half way line. In fairness to you I have tried my upmost to think of a south african back rower of comparable talent and Pienaar is the only one I thought could come close. If Welsh and Scots are saying how good he was that's a real indicator- to be English and regarded as a good player in Wales you literally have to be legend. Good lad for taking it in such good sport tho. Gaz

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posted May 14, 2008

A true great - like many others have said - indispensible to England for so long. Skilful powerful, quick, subtle he was the complete back-row player and the best blind-side flanker I've ever seen.

What's more - he's a good bloke. Intelligent and probably with Johnno the most interesting and perceptive rugby brain I've ever spoken to.

The game is poorer without you Richard.

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posted May 14, 2008

Oh and victim of the most cowardly, cynical acts of thuggery I've ever seen on a rugby pitch. I hope somewhere in the mind of Nathan Grey there's a flicker of shame - but I doubt that there is!

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posted May 14, 2008

hill didn't do fly-half
but if he did he'd probably be the best fly-half in the world.
(for the thicker amongst us thats a take on the ad!!)

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posted May 16, 2008

The greatest back row forward to have played for England & The Lions.

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posted May 16, 2008

Brillant player always did the hard unseen work. Never dropped by Clive Woodward the only player ever!! Wasn't sent home during the 2003 World Cup because he is such a class act. Also since the 2005 lions only been running at 85% fitness and still put who run at 100% to shame
Will be sadly missed

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