The Calm in the Storm: How Scarlets’ Archie Hughes Is Defining His Game

Over the past few years, Welsh rugby has entered a new era. Many familiar faces have walked away from the game, leaving opportunities for young players to step up.

Casting an eye down west, Gareth Davies is the clear-cut starting scrum-half. The Welsh international is still producing at an exceptional level.

Yet, at 34, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Davies. Scarlets fans shouldn’t worry, as they have an exciting prospect within their ranks.

That prospect is Archie Hughes — a young player with immense potential to shape the future of Welsh rugby.

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The Career of Hughes

A product of Tenby RFC, Hughes would go on to play a prominent role for the Scarlets.

Coming up through the ranks, the 22-year-old has been a consistent presence in the squad and was introduced off the bench during a 2021 pre-season game against Nottingham.

Hughes made an impressive debut, crossing the line twice. Not long after, he earned a spot in the 2021/22 squad.

The year 2022 marked the Welshman’s competitive debut against the Sharks. He was truly thrown in at the deep end, travelling to South Africa, but Hughes made an impact off the bench.

Serving as Davies’ deputy has given the young Scarlet a front-row seat to top-level play, sharpening his game for what lies ahead.

Hughes has not only featured for the club but also represented his country. He was a vital part of the Wales U20s set-up.

Hughes made 11 appearances for Wales at that level, becoming the first-choice nine in the 2023 U20s Six Nations, and even travelled to South Africa for the U20s World Cup that summer.

From his days with the U20s, it’s clear he is on a path towards senior honours. This season, Hughes has been fantastic and looks like a bright prospect for the future.

This Season

The Scarlets have had a much-improved season compared to years gone by. They made the playoffs and ran Leinster relatively close.

Hughes played an influential role in the latter stages of the campaign. After Davies was struck down with an injury following the match with Emirates Lions, Hughes took on the starting job.

In the pressure of season-defining games, he played with a calm head and steady hands, proving he belonged.

His composure under pressure was a clear sign of his growing maturity and potential, as he appeared in eight games in the URC, starting two.

From a statistical perspective, his kicking game impressed, making 667 metres off 31 kicks.

With exits now a cornerstone of the modern game, his calm execution and ability to ease territorial pressure could prove vital on the international stage.

The Future

Hughes has showcased skills that would make him a valuable asset for the Scarlets and Wales. At just 22, he still has plenty of time to develop.

Looking at the Welsh scrum-half picture, Tomos Williams is playing out of his skin and has that starting jersey nailed down. However, the fight for a spot on the bench is very much up for grabs.

There are some exceptional nines in Wales. Players such as Reuben Morgan-Williams, Kieran Hardy, and Aled Davies are all capable of performing on the big stage.

Next year, Hughes will want to demonstrate he deserves to be part of that group and push for a place in the Wales squad.

With Davies back and Dane Blacker joining the fold, the battle for the No.9 jersey will be intense. This strong competition is sure to bring excitement to the upcoming season.

Even so, Hughes looks ready to rise above the rivalry and establish himself at the very top.

By Pete Ryan

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