Nathan Hughes ‘expensive’ tweet in rugby history
Fiji-born Nathan Hughes may have sent the most expensive tweet in rugby history as the England star awaits punishment for appearing to mock the verdict of an RFU disciplinary panel.
Hughes looks certain to miss England’s test with the All Blacks next month after tweeting “what a joke” during his hearing for an alleged punch.
The 27-year-old was already facing a six-week ban after he was cited for punching Lewis Ludlow in the head in Wasps’ loss to Gloucester in last weekend’s English Premiership but his hastily deleted tweet looks set to land him in further trouble. Twitter Ads info and privacy
The UK’s Daily Telegraph report that his impending suspension could be extended beyond England’s first three tests next month to include Australia’s visit to Twickenham, on November 25, so Hughes would miss out on the match fee of more than £23,000 ($FJ69,000). England host the Wallabies in the last of their November tests after welcoming South Africa, New Zealand and Japan to Twickenham.
In an apparent reference to Hughes’ tweet, the RFU on Thursday said “an issue that arose during the evening” meant the disciplinary panel would “reconvene in not less than seven days” to consider his case.
“No judgment will be issued by the panel in this period and the panel direct that the player, Wasps Rugby and the RFU are to make no further comment until the case has concluded. The player remains suspended until the conclusion of the matter,” the RFU’s statement said. Hughes’ tweet was posted at 8:37pm (UK time) on Tuesday but it was quickly deleted.
Former All Blacks first-five Lima Sopoaga later tweeted #FreeNathanHughes in support of his Wasps teammate. Fiji-born Hughes, who moved to England in 2013 after playing 13 games for Auckland from 2009-13, had a brain explosion in the final minute of the match against Gloucester when he was on his back, pinned down by Ludlum.
As the pair wrestled, Hughes appeared to land a punch with his right fist to the left side of the Gloucester flanker’s head.
Losing Hughes, who has played in 19 tests for England since 2016, would be a huge blow. At 1.96m and 125kg, he is a massive physical presence and has good ball skills.
Ludlow is also in hot water, being cited for an alleged trampling act during the match that could also carry a sixweek ban.
England coach Eddie Jones has growing problems with his squad as the club season pushes on.
The All Blacks face England at Twickenham on November 11.
Jones has wings Jonny May and Marland Yarde under injury clouds from last weekend.
Leicester’s May was forced off after just seven minutes of the Tiger’s latest match, leaving the field with his arm in a sling after injuring his right shoulder.
Scans showed there was no break but further assessments will reveal the full extent of the damage and how long he will be sidelined.
May has been England’s top finisher in recent seasons and was a standout on their June tour of South Africa.
Yarde dislocated his left knee in Sale’s win over Newcastle. -