By Jason Harris
October 7 2004

Saracens, England and Lions back row forward Richard Hill could miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery following an injury sustained at London Irish last Sunday. A statement from Sarries said that damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee will see him out of action for between six and nine months.

A spell on the sidelines of this duration could see Hill miss out on adding to his 71 England test caps by sitting out the upcoming Autumn internationals at Twickehnam and next spring's Six Nations Championship. Also, with the Lions off to New Zealand next June, it remains to be seen whether he can recover in time to make Sir Clive Woodward's touring party.

Of course, Saracens too will also have to make do without the services of their longest-serving and most respected player. With Alex Sanderson still some weeks away from making his first appearance in the Sarries back row and Iain Fullarton still missing at lock, coach Rod Kafer could have to search for two additional back five forwards to bring into the Sarries squad to bolster his resources.