Birmingham born 4th May 1961, Richard was educated at Bishop Wordsworth’s School, Salisbury and Exeter University.

At 5ft. 7in tall, in his playing days he weighed 12st. 3lb. He was nicknamed:  “Duracell,” both for his copper coloured ‘top’ and his reputation for keeping going when team mates ‘batteries’ were just about expended!

A prodigious trainer, Richard spared nothing in his personal preparation. He spent every available hour on the Rec.  All he needed was someone to receive his passes and time his sprints. Perhaps his helpers warrant equal praise for their efforts!

It could be said that Hill epitomized the inevitability of the professional game. Richard gave all of his time in the pursuit of excellence, and was deservedly rewarded with International recognition. It was a commitment that few could match within amateur status.  He contributed to a more adventurous style of play, with the squad acknowledging that individuals could not be expected to maintain the vital edge for every game: rather that there should be a conditioning process, so that players could peak for targeted fixtures

He enjoyed two seasons as Bath Captain with the following results:-

His full record for Bath: Played 248 games, scored 64 tries, giving a total of 260 points.

He was awarded 29 England Caps commencing in 1984 at age 23. This included England captaincy. Although not directly involved, he had the misfortune to be caught up in disciplinary sanctions which followed ‘open warfare,’ at a line-out against Wales in 1987. He was recalled for England service in 1989 and played in the 1991 World Cup internationals in partnership with Rob Andrew. Bath provided Jonathan Webb, Simon Halliday, Jeremy Guscott and Richard Hill for England’s Final against Australia 2nd November 1991.

His first appearance on the Rec. was on 23rd March 1983, playing for Exeter University, He was the game's dominant figure and his performance greatly impressed the Bath selectors. Along with fellow Exeter student David Sole, he was soon dedicated to the Bath colours and destined to provide a pivotal role in so many of Bath’s Cup and League successes. He first appeared for Bath on the 20th April 1983 versus Maesteg.

In appalling weather, Bath won by 45 points to 10.

Team:-. : C.S. Martin, D.M. Trick, S. Halliday, J. A. Palmer, B. Trevaskis, J. P. Horton, R. Hill, G. Chilcott, K. Adams, I. Davies, N. Gaymond, R. F. Hakin, R. Spurrell, J. Hall, P. Simpson. Replacements:- C. Bird, J. Morrison.

Outside half John Horton was the first to benefit from Hill’s speed of service, followed principally by Stuart Barnes. Richard had no equal in the passing department and added to this, he could conjure up devastating breaks from the base of the scrum, which ensured his name was on the team sheet for ten full seasons and eight Bath Cup Finals.

Richard’s last game on the Recreation Ground-

23/4/1994 v Harlequins, Home. Won 32-13. Team:- Callard (3 conversions & 2 penalties), Swift, de Glanville (Try), Adebayo, Lumsden, Barnes, Hill, Hilton (Try), Dawe, Ubogu, Redman, Reed, Robinson, Hall (Try), Clarke (Try).
Replacements – Sanders, Crompton, Atkins

This was the game in which Bath beat Harlequins to top the Clubs’ Championship for the fourth successive year. It was an appropriate Rec. farewell for both Jack Rowell and Richard Hill.

Fittingly, Richard then crowned his brilliant career at Twickenham on the 7th May 1994 in Bath’s Pilkington Cup Final win over Leicester by 21 points to 9. Attendance was 68,000 - then a record for a club game.

The Bath team that day was: Callard; Swift, de Glanville, Catt, Adebayo; Barnes, Hill; Hilton, Dawe, Ubogu, Redman, Reed, Robinson (rep Ojomoh, 46 mins), Clarke, and Hall. (Captain)

1993/94 was the season of ‘Grand Slam.’ In addition to winning League and Cup, Bath brought home the silverware from the Middlesex 7’s and Welsh National 7’s.

Richard Hill is indeed, a deserving member of Bath’s Hall of Fame. In common with many stalwarts of this playing era, he has continued to be involved with rugby and is currently passing on the benefit of his vast experience as Coach to the Bristol Shoguns.

Peter Hall November 2005 ©