Hughes is raring to go

Adam Hughes started training with new club Exeter Chiefs less than four weeks after his last game of last season – but he says he wouldn’t have it any other way.

The 24-year-old scored a try after appearing off the bench as Bristol lost the second leg of the Championship final against London Welsh on June 4.

But this week he was back from his break and into pre-season with his new team-mates as he looks forward to his first campaign in the Aviva Premiership.

Hughes, who joined Bristol from Newport Gwent Dragons on a deal until the end of the season in February, says his short time off means he has not lost much fitness.

“It’s been a pretty quick off-season, it’s been just over three weeks, but it’s been good to get back into really, you don’t want too long,” said the Welshman. “As my last game was only three weeks ago you keep your game fitness quite well, which means you’re ready to slot straight back in.”

Hughes had fallen down the pecking order at Rodney Parade and joined Bristol in a search for more game time.

While Andy Robinson’s men failed in their bid to win promotion back to the top-flight, the former Wales under-20 ace believes the move to the English second tier from the RaboDirect Pro12 was the perfect way to gear up for next season with the Chiefs.

“The Championship was a good step up for me coming from the Pro12 because I think that lends itself better to the Premiership than the Pro12,” said Hughes. “Preparation-wise I feel like I’m in the right place, I’m just looking forward to it now.”

Hughes thinks the problem with the RaboDirect Pro12 is that the Celtic and Italian sides do not always play their best starting line-ups, which can weaken the competition. However, he is looking forward to the challenge of the Premiership once the season gets under way in September.

“The Premiership is a draw for every player – with the teams, the crowds, the stadiums and how competitive it is,” he said. “In the Rabo, not every team will put out their strongest side every week and some games are not as competitive as they should be. In the Premiership relegation is a huge factor, and the play-offs as well, so everyone is going out to win every game.  It’s very physical, but there are some very entertaining games as well.”

After playing 80 games for the Dragons in five seasons, scoring 15 tries and kicking seven conversions, Hughes was looking for a new challenge.

And Exeter’s attacking brand of rugby appealed to the back.

“The way the club is and the way they go about things sold it to me,” he said. “Their ethos towards rugby and the way they approach games is exciting and that’s what I’m looking forward to. They play a wide game for the backs and that’s one of the reasons why I liked the look Exeter, I like to get the ball in my hands and give it a go.”