Nathan Hughes finally confirms next club after Bristol Bears departure

Monday, 29 August 2022 at 18:34

byRugby Rucker

Former England number 8 Nathan Hughes will line up for the Tokyo-based side Ricoh Black Rams next season after departing Bristol Bears.

Discussing his move, Hughes said: "‘My move over from the UK, I’m filled with enthusiasm, motivation and I’m very focused. I can’t wait to meet my teammates, coaches, staff, fans and everyone else who are involved with the team.

"I’m ready to overcome new challenges and push myself further. I’m grateful for where I’ve been and what I’ve achieved but I’m excited for where I’m going. Japan is a new adventure."

Nathan Hughes and four other players who will swap nations

They all want to swap nations ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

#1. Nathan Hughes (England to Fiji)

Age: 30
Position: Number 8
Current number of caps: 20
Last cap: March, 2019
Did you know? His uncle, Asaeli Hughes, is a former dual international having represented Fiji in both basketball and 15s rugby

Hughes, who grew up in the sugar cane town of Lautoka on the west coast of the main Fijian island of Viti Levu, has. revealed that he has full support from the RFU to swap nations. England speedster Denny Solomona is also set to make himself available for Fiji.

Rich Freeman

@FreemanrugbyJPN

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Report from the UK says former England No. 8 Nathan Hughes (who is now also eligible for Fiji) is heading to Japan. Club not disclosed as of yet. #rugby #rugbyjp

12:55 AM · Jun 7, 2022

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#2. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (New Zealand to Samoa)

Current number of caps: 1
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Did you know: He won 24 caps for the All Blacks between 2014 and 2017

The one-cap All Black is exploring the possibility of adding to his 12-minute international career, which was ended in 2018 when he made the decision to move to England and join Wasps - where he recently passed a half-century of appearances. Toomaga-Allen's hopes of representing Samoa through his mother's side of the family hinge on World Rugby's vote later this month to change international eligibility rules.

#3. Danny Cipriani (England to Trinidad & Tobago)

Age: 34
Position: Fly-half
Current number of caps: 16
Last cap: June, 2018
Did you know? A keen all-round sportsman, Cipriani played junior football for Queens Park Rangers and was offered youth terms by Reading

It’s suggested that the switch could be funded by World Rugby, who are looking to encourage former elite rugby players to represent third tier nations to help raise the sports profile in that country.

Cipriani has been heavily linked with a move to Major League Rugby in the USA after the fly-half confirmed he will be heading 'to a new country' following his departure from Bath at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old’s father is Afro-Trinidadian with some Italian heritage while his mother is English. They’re currently ranked 53rd in the world.

Bath Rugby player Danny Cipriani during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Nov 5th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#4. Zach Mercer (England to New Zealand)

Age: 24
Position: Number 8
Current number of caps: 2
Last cap: November, 2018
Did you know? His father is former rugby league footballer and coach Gary Mercer, who played for New Zealand and the New Zealand Māori rugby league team

Making waves in the Top 14 and Europe with Montpellier, Mercer pulling on the famous All Black jersey would be as shocking a switch of nationality that the game has ever seen.

Described as 'fat and lazy' by England boss Eddie Jones before his international debut, this would be the ultimate way to prove the Aussie wrong.

The only drawback to the switch is to become eligible for New Zealand he'd have to join one of their Super Rugby sides.

Zach Mercer of England goes over for a try during the Quilter Cup Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 27. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK