Mallinder says new signing Hill is a ‘tremendous prospect’

The England Under-20 tighthead prop has agreed to join Northampton in the summer from Yorkshire Carnegie.

The 20-year-old was Junior World Championship winner in 2014, and started four of England’s five matches in this year’s Six Nations winning campaign, including the championship decider in Brighton.

Hill is regarded as one of the most promising forwards to have come through England’s age group teams, and Mallinder said: “Paul is a tremendous prospect.

“Over the past couple of years he has developed quickly, becoming a regular in the successful England Under-20 team and for Yorkshire Carnegie in the Championship. This is a tough league to play in, and he will have learned a lot playing against some experienced players.

“We believe that he has the ability to make the next step up in his career, and – given the huge interest he attracted from the Aviva Premiership’s top clubs - we are delighted the he has chosen to take that step with the Saints.”

Hill is looking forward to his move south, and said: “I’m looking forward to challenging myself at one of the top clubs in Europe and learning from experienced international players.

“It’s an exciting time for me and I can’t wait to work hard and continue developing.”

Hill graduated through the Yorkshire Carnegie Academy, and made his first team debut during the 2013-14 season against Plymouth.

This season he has been a regular in the first team, making a further 16 appearances