By now the name Nathan Hughes will be very familiar to rugby fans, and a name that has been muttered frequently in recent times. That is simply due to the impact this young man has had on the Aviva Premiership since his arrival, and his consistency of performances alongside those of his teammates, which have helped the Wasps further progress so far this season.
Hughes, who was born and raised in Lautoka, actually played hockey for most of his childhood. He went to school at St. Thomas High School in Lautoka and he represented them nationally in field hockey. In 2009, by chance, Hughes was scouted by Kelston Boys High School head of PE, when the school toured Fiji in 2008. He travelled to New Zealand to embark on a partial scholarship. In his first year, Hughes was awarded the team player of the year award, so he is not new to accolades from his peers. He made the Auckland U20 team, having previously been involved in the U18 set up also. All the while he was still playing for his school team Kelston Boys. His performances were such that he was given the opportunity to join the Auckland High Performance Academy.
Hughes eventually made his debut off the bench for Auckland against Otago in the ITM Cup. Dai Young plucked him from relative obscurity and signed him in March 2013 after Hughes failed to gain a Super Rugby Contract. Young signed him in the hope he would replace Billy Vunipola. He has been a constant threat to defences in the premiership with powerful running, skillful offloading and try scoring prowess; it is hard to believe considering he only played his first rugby match six years ago.
In the light of these powerful and impressive performances, there is believed to be a war behind the scenes for his services in International Rugby. Fiji and Samoa could use him at next year’s World Cup, but England is rumored to be keeping an eye on him due to Hughes qualifying for England in 2016. Only time will tell which one Hughes will go for, but either way he looks to have a bright future.
In the company of James Haskell and Ashley Johnson, young Hughes looks to be thriving. If the young man continues his rich vein of form into the second half of the season, the media spotlight will not migrate from him any time soon.
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