ENGLAND HANDED HUGHES BOOST

WASPS are confident that Nathan Hughes will be fit to start their Aviva Premiership clash with Saracens on Sunday, which is a major relief for both club and country. The No 8 suffered an injury scare when he limped off before half-time as his side were beaten 25-9 by Bath last Sunday. Dai Young, Wasps’ director of rugby, was unsure about the extent of the damage, but it is understood that Hughes merely sustained a dead leg. It is welcome news for England coach Eddie Jones, who would have been concerned at the lack of depth in a key role. In the absence of Billy Vunipola, who has a knee injury which will keep him out of the autumn Test, the list of alternatives is sparse. Hughes will deputise for Vunipola, providing he can stay fit until England take on Argentina on November 11. Jack Clifford was added to the national squad, but he mainly operates at openside and has started just one Test at No 8. Sam Simmonds made a flying start to the season for Exeter before being blasted out of his club’s game against Wasps, when he tried to stop Hughes on the charge. Teimana Harrison has been back at No 8 for Northampton and he has raised his game. Last weekend just four of the 12 Premiership clubs fielded English or England-qualified players at No 8. One familiar name currently missing is Ben Morgan — the Gloucester No 8 who became an established Test player under Stuart Lancaster. He has not made a Test appearance since the last World Cup and is currently recovering from a calf injury.