Hughes seals Chiefs move

By Mark Stevens

Adam Hughes says the challenge of testing himself in the Aviva Premiership was a major draw in his decision to sign with Exeter Chiefs.

The 24-year-old is the latest arrival at Sandy Park and joins on a two-year deal after playing spells with both Newport-Gwent Dragons and Bristol, the latter of whom he was trying to help regain their top flight status last night.

Welshman Hughes - who can play centre, wing or full-back - fits the mould perfectly in terms of recruitment by Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter, who in the past has often looked to utilise new stock in a variety of different positions.

Hughes himself is relishing the new start that awaits him in Devon and says he cannot wait to get stuck into life with his Exeter team-mates.

“It’s a great move for me and one that I am very much looking forward to," said the Newport-born player. "I came down in January, I had a good look around the place and had a good chat with the coaches after which it didn’t take very long for me to make up my mind.

“The Chiefs have done really well ever since they got into the Premiership and this year they obviously won a trophy as well, so it's clear they are a club that are on the up.

"Also I’ve also spoken to a few people about the club itself and all I’ve heard is good things, so it will be good to get down there and be part of it all."

Hughes, who holds his own pilot's licence, demonstrated in the second leg of this season's Championship Play-Off final that he knows how to finish, claiming one of Bristol's two tries in their narrow defeat to London Welsh.

And it's that attacking prowess, coupled with a sound defensive game, that has made the former Wales Under-16s, 18s and 20s starlet a prime target for Baxter this summer.

“I’ve had a few years in the Pro12 and come up against some great teams and some very good players, but this is a challenge I was quite keen to take on," added Hughes.

"Everybody watches the Premiership and the quality across the board is right up there, so I think it will definitely be good to test myself in that environment. Being at Bristol for these last few months has set me up nicely, but now I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season and going from there.”

With the Chiefs looking to build on and off the field at Sandy Park, Hughes confirmed the ambition of his new club was another key factor in his decision to move to the Westcountry.

“Rob told me the plans for the stadium and they kind of mirror what the team are doing," he said. "Everything is getting bigger and better down there, so it’s all pretty exciting for the future. I’ve also been told quite a bit about the Exeter fans and how noisy and passionate they can get.

"Chatting to the coaches they all said the club is keen to build on the foundations of the last few years. The Chiefs have done really well ever since they got into the Premiership and I think it’s now a case of looking to move things on just a little bit more.”