Hughes: I’m going to play in Japan now

NATHAN Hughes made a surprise admission about his future after his final game for Bristol Bears on Saturday, writes Sam Frost.

The number eight was thought to be joining French Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne after calling time on his three-year spell at Ashton Gate, but instead the Fijiborn England international is going to the Far East, without specifically naming which club.

“I’m going to Japan,” he revealed after Bears’ 42-19 defeat at Sale on the final day of the Premiership campaign. “(It is) closer to home, closer to the kids. I feel my time in the Premiership has come to an end. It’s been huge in my career, coming from New Zealand to where I am now. At 31, hopefully I can get a few games under my belt.”

The popularity of the game is booming in Japan after reaching the quarter-finals of their home World Cup in 2019, with South Africa star Faf De Klerk among the big-name players making the lucrative move this summer. The Springbok star will play for Yokohama Canon Eagles.

Hughes, a 22-cap international, scored two consolation tries as a second-half replacement in his final outing for the Bears, making over 50 appearances for the club.

He played more than 100 times for Wasps from 2013-19 and had a brief but highly successful loan spell with Bath earlier this season.

“It’s been a pleasure playing in the Premiership, one of the toughest competitions in the world,” he added. “I’ve had nine years here and every game has been a tough one. I’ve loved every moment in my Wasps career and here (Bristol). Signing off with two tries, it’s been a pleasure.”

■ Exeter Chiefs have announced Omar Mouneimne as their new defence coach. Mouneimne, who recently left Bristol, takes over in Devon following Julian Salvi’s departure in April.