Veterans inspire Nathan Hughes

Joining Racing 92 in France in 2025 rekindled Nathan Hughes desire to play international rugby.

“It would be huge for me, for my children, for my family,” Hughes told L’Équipe.

“I’ll never say it’s too late, that I’ve given up hope, but at the same time, I have no control over this decision. I’m at peace with it.”

It was in the Top 14 competition in France was where veteran Flying Fijian forwards like Levani Botia and Leone Nakarawa were still playing week in and week out for their respective clubs.

“I spoke to my agent on the phone, and I explained to him that I feel ready to play for two, three, or four more years. When I see what (Levani) Botia is managing to do that at La Rochelle at 37 or (Leone) Nakarawa at 38 with Castres, it motivates me immensely.”

Not only that, but Hughes also saw 34-year-old Virimi Vakatawa who had played 32 Test matches for France but had to leave due to a medical condition, Vakatawa too ended up having a stint in Bristol before joining Super Rugby club Fijian Drua, where he now plays.

Hughes played 22 Test caps for England and now qualifies for Fiji, the country of his birth, after completing the required stand-down period to switch allegiances under World Rugby regulations. This is similar with Vakatawa, as well.

Last week Hughes, Vakatawa and Botia were named in the 50-member Flying Fijians squad for the Nations Championship in July.

Meanwhile, in the Top 14 clash Hughes started at No.8 for Racing along with winger Selestino Ravutaumada, as they went down to La Rochelle 24-26 yesterday.

Ravutaumada scored a try for Racing in the 66th minute before Vinaya Habosi, Josua Tuisova and Lekima Tagitagivalu came in as impact players while Botia started from the bench for La Rochelle.

Flying Fijians looseman Pita Gus Sowakula was at the back of the scrum for Clermont as they wal-loped Perpignan 45-14. Fijian-born French winger Alivereti Raka scored a try for Clermont with Alivereti Loaloa at No.13.

Centre Sireli Maqala scored a try for Bayonne but it was not enough as they went down to Bordeaux Begles 40-38. Salesi Rayasi was on the wing for Bordeaux while tighthead prop Luke Tagi started for Bayonne.

Elusive winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa dotted down an early try for Stade Francais as they thrashed Lyon 59-17. Lyon rested Fijian duo of Iosefo Masi and Jiuta Wainiqolo.

Castres suffered a 27-15 loss to Pau, with centre Vilimoni Botitu scoring one of their tries.