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. 

- BEN JAYCOCK

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 threeyear 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 structure and implement what we’ve learned overseas then we can go a long way.”

After departing Bristol last season, Hughes is now enjoying playing in Japan Rugby League One for Black Rams Tokyo where he has scored six tries in nine starts this season.