"Off to Japan" - Nathan Hughes pulls out of France move ahead of nations switch

Monday, 06 June 2022 at 18:49

byRugby Rucker

Former England number 8 Nathan Hughes revealed that he will be playing his rugby outside of Europe next season, announcing a move to Japan.

“I’m going to Japan,” said Hughes, who departs Bristol Bears this summer.

“(It is) closer to home, closer to the kids and I feel my time in the Premiership has come to an end.

"It’s been huge progress in my career, coming from New Zealand to where I am now. At 31, hopefully I can get a few games under my belt.

“It’s been a pleasure playing in the Premiership, one of the toughest competitions in the world,” he added.

“I’ve had nine years of playing in the Premiership and every game has been a tough one, especially here at the AJ Bell – always a hard place to play.

Here are five other England stars who could make surprise international rugby switches in the coming years.

#1. 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

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

#2. George Kruis (England to Canada)

Age: 31
Position: Second-row
Current number of caps: 45
Last cap: March, 2020
Did you know? He could however eventually play for Canada through his Canadian father, although he’d have to wait until March, 2023

George Kruis of Saracens arrives during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on June 1 2019. - PHOTO: Cameron Geran/PPAUK

#3. Matt Kvesic

Age: 29
Position: Back-row
Current number of caps: 4
Last cap: September, 2019
Did you know? Born in Germany to English parents, Kvesic made his senior debut for Worcester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against the Scarlets on 14 November 2009, becoming the youngest player to represent the Warriors in the professional era

Exeter Chiefs player Matt Kvesic during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at JW Bell Stadium on March 2nd - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#4. Charlie Sharples (England to Hong Kong)

Age: 32
Position: Winger
Current number of caps: 4
Last cap: November, 2012
Did you know? Born in Hong Kong, Sharples ran a time of 11.30 seconds over the 100m distance at the age of 17

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#5. Alex Lozowski (England to Italy)

Age: 28
Position: Fly-half, Centre, Wing, Fullback
Current number of caps: 5
Last cap: November, 2018
Did you know? Lozowski is the son of Rob Lozowski and was a sporting allrounder in his teenage years, playing not only rugby for the Wasps academy but also football for the Chelsea academy

He is reportedly still holding out hope of adding to his five England caps despite no recent soundings from coach Eddie Jones. The Mail Online have reported that Italy have not been in contact with 28-year-old, although we doubt it will be long until they do.