Former England flanker Richard Hill was known for his big hits and energy sapping drives, but these displays of immense strength and power have taken a toll on the World Cup winners knees. Last year at the age of 36, Hill required a complete knee replacement, a surgery normally reserved for people well into their sixties.
This has not stopped the man often referred to as the 'silent assassin' from pushing his body to extreme measures. Last year, along with his former team mates and members of Saracens backroom staff, he embarked on an epic 260km journey along Norway's picturesque fjords. A journey that many assumed would be a fun club trip turned out to be a huge challenge.
"It was tougher than we expected as it was kayaking from pretty much the first point of the day to the last. I think people thought we were on a jolly but it was one of those events where until you take part in it you don't realise the full magnitude of the challenge," explains the man who won 71 caps for England. "Some days we woke up to glorious sunshine then the next we would find our tents flooded with six inches of water, so it was mentally very tough."
This experience clearly hasn't deterred Hill who this year will test the strength of his knees as he cycles from Lands End to Twickenham in aid of Help the Heroes and the RFU injured player's foundation. "I will be supporting a number of charities that I am close to and fully support. I know the hardships of having to deal with injuries. I was very fortunate that I was still a professional player and was looked after comprehensively in terms of medical care, assistance and the moral support that you need.
"We also picked Help the Heroes as we all appreciate the work that our servicemen do abroad and the difficulties that they face when they pick up injuries which are far more mind blowing than the ones we encounter on the field of play."
Hill still has the sizable frame that helped England beat the Australians back in 2003 but this build is certainly not one that suits a long distance bike ride. Fortunately the ride is still more than four months away and he has plenty of time to work on his stamina and endurance.
"I think when this proposition came my way I was tipping the scales at over 18 stone so I have already shed well over a stone just in the early days of training. There is a lot of work to be done but considering just a year ago I could barely walk and now I can cycle 20 miles and actually walk with no discomfort it is a massive breakthrough."
As well as preparing for his cycle challenge by riding to and from work every day, Hill has a full time job at Saracens. His time is split between commercial responsibilities and looking after a group of ten youngsters aged between 16 and 22. The two eldest are not only at the forefront of Saracens plans but also England's. Andy Saull and Alex Goode have both made appearances for England Saxons and Hill believes they have what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
"To see the two elder guys go on to play for England Saxons was very rewarding, plus this year we have three guys going to the Under 20's World Cup which is a fantastic step. If they can keep progressing at the current rate then they have bright futures ahead of them."
Helping the new generation of young players is something that Hill clearly enjoys. He speaks excitedly about the prospect of these players breaking into the England first team, but do the players appreciate having a World Cup winner teach them? "That's for them to answer, not me," jokes Hill.
It seems as though Hill's injury and subsequent retirement have not stopped him from having high hopes both for himself and Saracens. "I am hoping to raise ?1.5million over the next five years for the charities which would be a great success. Plus it seems Saracens have a great chance of making the play offs which is something that the club has never achieved before. Hopefully by the time I complete the ride on September 4th Saracens will have won their first Premiership title."
For more information on the Great British Bike Ride please visit : www.greatbritishbikeride.com/p/hillys-page
