5:04pm Tuesday 6th May 2008
By Tim Edwards
Richard Hill has urged his Saracens team-mates to concentrate all their efforts in beating Bristol at Milton Keynes on Saturday and not become side-tracked by the fact it will be his farewell appearance.
The revered England and Lions flanker will make his 288th appearance for Sarries at Stadium MK due to Watford's involvement in the Championship play-offs at Vicarage Road the following day.
Thousands of fans are expected to travel from far and wide to give Hill a fanfare reception, something he is keen to play down and not let affect the mindset of his team-mates.
"From a team perspective, it's important to end on a positive note after what has been a very up and down period," he said. "It's very flattering to get the attention I've received in the past few weeks and read some of the nice things that are being said, but I'm very clear and will emphasise that this weekend is not about me or the other players and management who are moving on at the end of the season. It's is about the team and nothing will give me greater satisfaction than getting a good result."
Hill could not resist a dig at the Hornets for denying him a send-off in Watford but he is still determined to go out on a high.
"It's a bit disappointing that Watford FC weren't able to conjure up any one of another 20 positions in the league, but Milton Keynes looks like a great venue and hopefully we'll have a lot of Saracens fans at the ground, as well as attract a good crowd from the local area and put on a good display of rugby," he added.
"It's not the venue where I would have expected to complete my playing days but I will be sharing the day with my teammates, friends, family and the Saracens fans and that's how I want it."
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