### Wales Rugby International Cory Hill in Search of New Club Following Japan Departure
Wales rugby international Cory Hill is set for a new chapter in his career after parting ways with his Japanese club, Secom Rugguts. The 33-year-old lock, who has represented Wales at the highest level for over a decade, is now actively assessing his options, with a return to Europe or further stints abroad both possibilities on the horizon.
Hill’s exit from Secom Rugguts effectively ends a five-year period in Japanese rugby, during which he initially signed for the Yokohama Canon Eagles in the top division before moving to the Rugguts, a third-tier club. His time in Japan began following his departure from Cardiff in 2021, when he opted to pursue new opportunities overseas rather than remain with the region.
The experienced second-row forward made headlines in 2023 when he was selected for Wales’ Rugby World Cup training squad. However, Hill withdrew from international duty after agreeing terms with Secom Rugguts. Despite this, his performances in Japan did not go unnoticed, as he earned another Wales recall for last year’s summer tour of Australia.
During the Australian tour, Hill was the subject of renewed scrutiny stemming from an incident in 2021, when he was reportedly involved in damaging a woman’s property. Although he was not charged by police, Hill issued a public apology through his representative. The aftermath of the incident saw him miss out on captaining Wales in a fixture against the Queensland Reds, after he withdrew amidst backlash from certain sections of the supporter base.
Hill’s contributions to Welsh rugby are notable. He has 32 international caps, and played a significant role in Wales’ remarkable 2019 season, when the team secured the Six Nations Grand Slam and advanced to the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup. Additionally, he played a part in the 2021 Six Nations Championship win under coach Wayne Pivac, solidifying his position as a reliable and athletic presence in the Welsh pack.
Known for his effectiveness in the lineout and his blend of agility and ruggedness, Hill has long been regarded as one of Wales’ premier locks. Now unattached, his availability is likely to attract the interest of clubs both domestically and overseas. With a shortage of experienced second-rows in Welsh rugby, Hill’s potential return would be particularly appealing to clubs like Cardiff and the Dragons, especially as they benefit from the new Professional Rugby Agreement and larger playing budgets compared to their domestic rivals, the Ospreys and Scarlets.
On the international market, Hill could also be a target for teams in England, France, or even a return to the Japanese leagues. His experience at both club and international level, coupled with his leadership qualities, make him a sought-after option for clubs looking to bolster their pack ahead of the 2025-26 season.
There is no official word yet on Hill’s preferred destination, but speculation is rife as agents and teams weigh up their options and negotiate terms. It remains to be seen whether Hill favours a return to the United Rugby Championship or another stint in Asia or mainland Europe.
As Hill begins his search for a new club, Welsh rugby fans and observers across the rugby community will be watching closely, eager to see where the seasoned international will next make his mark.
In the evolving world of professional rugby, experienced operators like Hill continue to command significant interest, and his next move is set to be a storyline to watch in the months ahead.