Sale Sharks' Jonny Hill suspended following fan incident

Sale Sharks' lock Jonny Hill has been handed a 10-week suspension following an incident involving a fan after a match against Bath Rugby at The Recreation Ground on 1st June this year.

The suspension was decided by an independent RFU disciplinary panel, which determined Hill breached RFU Rule 5.12 – conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game – after he "physically abused a spectator" following the game. Hill accepted the charge.

The panel, led by Philip Evans KC along with Oliver Clark and Leon Lloyd, initially set a 20-week suspension for Hill but reduced it to 10 weeks due to what they described as "substantial mitigation" and the exceptional circumstances surrounding the case.

"The panel concluded the appropriate starting point was a 20-week suspension...but reduced it to 10 weeks, with four weeks suspended until the end of the 2025-26 season," said Evans KC.

As part of his sanctions, Hill will also be required to deliver a presentation to young players at his club, to be recorded and shared with the RFU as a part of his disciplinary commitments.

Sale Sharks acknowledged the ruling, stating, "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."

Hill will be eligible to return to play for Sale Sharks on December 7, 2024.