Sales' Hill receives ban for non-rugby incident

NEWS: England and Sale Sharks forward Jonny Hill will resume his playing career with Sale in early December despite originally facing a 20-week suspension at his Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary hearing.

The Rugby Football Union revealed that the England lock was accused of having physically abused a spectator in the aftermath of Bath versus Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground on June 1, 2024.

The England international allegedly became involved in an altercation with a fan as he left his seat and walked down the stairs following his side’s 23-31 defeat.

The 28-year-old fan told reporters Hill “grabbed me around the throat, broke my sunglasses, and cut the top of my eye”.

Sale Sharks have condemned any act of violence.

He appeared in front of the panel for an alleged breach of RFU Rule 5.12 – conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game and/or Union.

It was determined that Hill’s suspension entry point should be 20 weeks. However, mitigation halved this initially proposed punishment and it was ultimately reduced to a lay-off of six weeks as four of the 10 weeks were suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The panel was chaired by Philip Evans KC sitting with Oliver Clark and Leon Lloyd.

“The panel concluded the appropriate starting point was a 20-week suspension from playing. They also found the circumstances of this case to be exceptional and as a consequence, and because of the substantial mitigation available to Jonny Hill, that starting point was reduced to 10 weeks, four of which will be suspended until the conclusion of the 25/26 season,” Evans explained.

“In addition, he is required to give a presentation to young players at the club which is to be recorded and provided to the RFU.

“He will be available to play for Sale on December 7, 2024.”

Commenting on the judgement, Sale Sharks said:

“Both the club and player accept the ruling made by the RFU disciplinary panel and we now look forward to getting Jonny back on the pitch in a Sale Sharks shirt as soon as possible.”

Additional source @RugbyPass