TIGERS TARGET HUGHES SWOOP
ENGLISH GIANTS LINE UP SCARLETS CENTRE
GALLAGHER Premiership leaders Leicester Tigers have reportedly lined up Scarlets centre Steff Hughes as a possible signing for next season.
The 27-year-old has proven himself to be one of Welsh rugby’s most consistent performers, having captained the West Walian region on a number of occasions in recent seasons.
And with Tigers coach Steve Borthwick on the lookout for a ball-playing centre to complement new marquee signing, Springbok World Cup winner Handre Pollard, it’s reported that Hughes, who scored against Leicester in a pre-season friendly, could be top of the shopping list.
The Mail on Sunday reports that the resurgent English outfit have made enquiries about signing the former Wales U20s captain, who has also filled in at fly-half since graduating through the ranks at Parc y Scarlets.
Since making his senior debut in 2013, Hughes has been an ever-present figure in the Scarlets squad, offering stability whenever called upon in midfield.
Despite the consistency of performances, a senior Wales call has never come for the former Ysgol y Strade pupil. That’s not to say his efforts have gone unnoticed.
Former Scarlets coach Brad Mooar, now part of the All Blacks coaching ticket, once referred to him as a “man of steel”.
With the likes of Jonathan Davies, Johnny Williams, Scott Williams, Tyler Morgan and Corey Baldwin all vying for centre spots, Hughes, who has turned out for the Scarlets more than 100 times, might feel it is time to test himself in different pastures.
Despite their wealth of talent in midfield, the Scarlets are unlikely to be overjoyed at the prospect of losing one of their most consistent players.
But they could face an uphill struggle to retain his services if Hughes is offered the chance of a new challenge with one of England’s top sides.
The Scarlets are due to head to Cardiff on Sunday (3pm), although no fans will be allowed in to watch after this week’s change in Covid rules.