The 26-year-old returned to Wales with the Dragons five years ago after resurrecting his career with Moseley in the English Championship. He grasped his second chance in regional rugby with both hands to make himself an indispensable member of the Dragons’ squad, before an unexpected international opportunity presented itself.
And Hill is determined to make the most of each and every minute he gets during Wales’ bid to finish second in the NatWest Six Nations.
“I had a few messages saying it was a 30 yard run in so that’s my claim to fame,” said Hill. “It’s always nice to get over but more importantly it’s nice to get the bonus point win at home. I think the boys are really pleased with that.
“It’s about taking your opportunities when you get them. It’s nice to do that. I really enjoyed my time in the Championship. It was a big learning curve for me leaving the Blues and going to Moseley.
“I had a good couple of months there and really enjoyed it. Lyn Jones gave me another chance at the Dragons. It’s about taking your opportunities and over the last three years I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of game time for the Dragons.”
Hill’s first international score will do his chances of selection for the NatWest Six Nations finale against France no harm. Les Bleus come to Cardiff on a high after seeing off England’s title challenge at the Stade de France.
But Hill is prepared to face an onslaught up-front to keep Wales’ unbeaten home record for the Championship in tact.
“We know they are going to have a bug physical pack,” he added. “It was probably a good training session today ready for next week.
“There’s a six day turnaround. Italy were nice and physical up front and we knew we had to get our maul defence in fine tune. I think we defended pretty well today. We know France are going to come big up front.
“They’ve got a big physical pack and they do like to throw the ball around. Beating England yesterday had added all to play for. It would be massive for us to finish this Championship on a high and finish in second place.”
