Townsend’s tutelage set to make Hughes king of wing

GREGOR TOWNSEND set himself a goal of significantly improving the skills of his internationalists when he took the reins at Glasgow.

So he was delighted on Friday night to see 23year-old Rory Hughes step up and finish off two of his trainingground moves which earned the winger the Guinness Pro12 Man of the Match award in the victory over Treviso.

The tries were Hughes’ first at Scotstoun, the player having battled injury and daunting competition in the past two years for a starting berth.

However, in terms of those who qualify for the national side, they have more Test years behind them than in front, so Hughes’ progress is important.

In slicing open the Treviso defence on Friday, coming in off his wing for the first try, and then sprinting into the corner for the second, the physically imposing Glaswegian showed a pace and footwork that suggests his and Townsend’s work is starting to reap dividends.

He was handed a first Scotland cap in Turin during the World Cup warm-ups, but has not featured until included this week to train with the autumn Test squad.

He hopes performances like Friday’s will make that a more regular event.

‘I have worked really hard during the week and it’s paying off, so I’m happy,’ said Hughes (right).

‘My tries were both trainingground moves, which are down to Gregor and the work he does making them up, and then it’s down to us and our timing. ‘I’m just grateful for getting starts now and injuries (to others) have helped, but I’m working hard. I want to be part of the Scotland team because that’s my ultimate goal — playing for my country. ‘I know I’m still young so my time will come, and I just have to bide my time, but it’s a massive bonus to be included because it shows I’m still in their mind. ‘When you’ve got something that you adore you just want it more, so I’ve missed it (Scotland involvement) hugely, but I’ll get more caps.’