Bristol take Hughes back for Euro ties

COMPETITION rules are a big part of the reason this weekend will mark number eight Nathan Hughes’ last game for Bath Rugby,

The big back rower’s loan to Bath will end on Monday, the Blue, Black & Whites confirmed yesterday, so the former England man, pictured, will return to parent club Bristol Bears.

Bath head coach Neal Hatley told reporters: “Nathan has made a fantastic contribution on and off the field over the past two months, and we are sorry to see him go.

“However, as both we and Bristol turn our attention to European competition (next week), and the simple fact he is registered only to play for Bristol in Europe means he must return.”

Bristol have registered scrumhalf Max Green for the next stages of Europe despite him being on loan from Bath, but the difference between him and Hughes is that Green is not cup-tied because he did not feature for his parent club in this season’s competition.

The Bears have also added Richard Lane and Jonathan Benz

Salomon to their European squad for the upcoming fixtures.

Hatley added: “We will miss him, but his return to Bristol will create opportunities for other players to step forward and make an impact on the rest of our season, as we seek to climb the Premiership and make progress in the European Challenge Cup.”

Bath are through to the singlelegged last-16 round in Europe, having dropped down from the Champions Cup. Their opponents are still to be decided with a round of pool games in the Challenge Cup to be played on the weekend of April 8-10.

The Blue, Black & White head to Sandy Park to take on Exeter in the Premiership this weekend.

In Hughes’ absence, Bath remain well-stocked in the back row with Wales stalwart Taulupe Faletau fit, Sam Underhill back in the mix and Jaco Coetzee also an option alongside Scotland international Josh Bayliss.

Underhill, Bayliss and Hughes all play against the Chiefs, while Joe Cokanasiga will make his first start of the season in a back three with Semesa Rokoduguni and Tom de Glanville.