David Hill to join English club

David Hill

David Hill has put his All Blacks career on hold to instead join English rugby club Bristol on a two-year contract.

The first and second five-eighth made his test debut for New Zealand off the bench against Ireland in Auckland last month.

Today, Hill, 27, announced he is to join Bristol at the completion of the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup domestic competition in October.

Hill, a product of Marlborough who also played for Southland, has played 51 matches for Waikato and 58 for the Chiefs.

He also toured Ireland and Scotland with the All Blacks in 2001.

Staleness with the domestic scene and his place in the pecking order appear to have influenced Hill's decision to ply his trade in England.

Rated above him at first five-eighth, his principal position, at national level include Daniel Carter, Luke McAlister and Nick Evans.

He said he was preparing for his 10th season of first-class rugby in New Zealand and the prospect of playing overseas excited him.

"I am 28 in a couple of weeks, I'm still young enough to head over there without it looking like a retirement package," Hill told NZPA.

"It's a good opportunity to get over there while I've still got a good few years left in me.

"This will be my 10th year at first-class level in New Zealand, and I've always been keen to play over there (England) and travel.

"It was the perfect opportunity to go, basically."

Chiefs coach Ian Foster said he was disappointed to lose someone of Hill's experience.

"He has been a fantastic member of the Chiefs organisation. His experience and general leadership will be sorely missed."

- NZPA