Hill eyes Euro swansong

Sarries veteran hoping to bow out on a high

Last updated: 26th April 2008

Richard Hill

Hill: Massive Munster test

Watch Saracens v Munster, Sunday April 27, live on Sky Sports 2 from 2.30pm

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Richard Hill is ready to face his "biggest challenge for Saracens" in Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final showdown against Irish heavyweights Munster.

In a glittering career that includes World Cup glory, 71 England caps and a Six Nations Grand Slam, the 34-year-old is now hoping to add a Heineken Cup trophy to his honours list before he hangs up his boots at the end of the season.

The clash with Munster at the Ricoh Arena could be Hill's final competitive game after persistent knee trouble has limited his participation in recent times.

Sarries back-row warhorse admits a win over the 2006 European champions would set up a perfect finale for himself and his beloved club - a Heineken Cup final.

Reduced workload

"I am aware that retirement is close," said Hill. There will be an emotion when I finish, but you have to put that to the back of your mind when it happens.

"I don't know how many more matches I will play - it is difficult to predict at the moment.

"I knew when I began playing after my second knee reconstruction that it would be very unlikely I would be able to achieve the same levels.

"If I was to choose to do another year, it would be with an even more reduced workload, and that wouldn't be right on anyone."

Refreshed

Hill hasn't featured for Sarries since the club's memorable Heineken Cup quarter-final victory over the Ospreys.

But Saracens boss Alan Gaffney had no hesitation restoring Hill to the pack after he sat out successive Guinness Premiership defeats against Gloucester and Wasps, and his inspirational flanker insists he is now ready and refreshed for another punishing battle.

"The Ospreys match was the sort of event or occasion that made it all worthwhile - that was a big day for myself and the club," Hill added.

"I am not pinching myself. There are times when I wish it could be better, and if it were a simple case of living off the emotion of that last game, I would continue for years to come.

"Munster are one of the form teams in the competition's history, and we know that we have a tough task on our hands.

"It is my biggest challenge for Saracens, without a shadow of a doubt."