I’d love to play for Fiji, says Hughes
Nathan Hughes has closed the chapter on his time in England but says he is awaiting the call from the Fijian selectors to appear for his country of birth.
Hughes, 31, made 22 England appearances between 2016-2019 but could be a beneficiary of World Rugby's change in eligibility laws that allows players to play for their country of birth following a three-year stand down from the previous nation they represented.
The former Wasps and Bristol Bears No.8 says no contact has been made by Simon Raiwalui or members of his coaching staff but he hopes to turn out alongside the likes of Premiership stars Semi Radradra, Eroni Mawi and Api Ratuniyarawa at the World Cup.
He said: “It would mean a lot to play for my home nation in front of my family. They've been there for me throughout my whole rugby career and whatever jersey I wear they support me.
“The rule change gives opportunities for the pacific island teams to challenge the tier one nation teams. You can see when the tier two nations play, they play with a lot of flair but if we can add a bit more struc- ture and implement what over Sam Simmonds' size we've learned overseas and Billy Vunipola being then we can go a long way.”
After departing Bristol last season, Hughes is now miss the rest of the domestic season after suffering enjoying playing in Japan Rugby League One for a knee injury against La Black Rams Tokyo where Rochelle last Sunday but he has scored six tries in Hughes backs a fully fit nine starts this season.
Hughes made 139 Premiership appearances but form Zach Mercer, who is ahead of another in top has said he's looking to returning from Montpellier to join Gloucester before close out his club career in Japan, with the 6ft 5in, 19 the World Cup. stone 12lb powerhouse enjoying the shorter seasons with Billy, he's been play- He said: “I'd still go and Japanese culture.
He said: “After my nine have a different view on years in England I've probably closed that chapter. It's Alex Dombrandt has been how they want to play.
The No.8 position has Hughes has been keeping a close eye on Fijian become a problem area for Steve Borthwick's England Drua who have impressed with Alex Dombrandt since joining Super Rugby in 2022, with their 25-24 struggling in the Six Nations, question marks dramatic win over reign- ing champions the Crusaders last month in front of a packed out crowd a notable highlight.
The Lautoka-born forward would love to see more games staged in his country, with the lively passionate pacific island crowds a complete contrast to the often half empty stadiums in Australia and New Zealand.
He said: “Fijian Drua have got a lot of young talent and are going really well. Fijian supporters are die hard. Whether it's a Super Rugby team coming or a Japanese team you'll have a big crowd there. It's good to see Super Rugby taking a game there and on Saturday having a game in Samoa.”
Fellow Fijian Nemani Nadolo recently called time on his career having scored 12 tries in 30 Test appearances, and 100 tries in the Premiership, Super Rugby and Top 14.
Hughes paid tribute to the contribution Nadolo's made to not just Fijian rugby but the game overall.
He added: “He's had an amazing career. He's been in Australia, New Zealand, France, Japan and England. Fair play to him, he's had his challenges over the years but has had an amazing career and done Fiji proud. I wish him well for the next chapter.”
