News
Blues snap up Hughes
Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that following an impressive, yet brief, debut Championship campaign, hooker Jack Hughes has agreed to join the club permanently on a short-term contract from Northampton Saints.
The 20-year-old made an imprint during his five outings for Bedford’s premier sporting club last season and will continue his rugby education with Mike Rayer’s side.
Beginning his career as a prop in the Saints Academy set-up, Hughes converted to hooker upon signing his first professional contract in 2019, following spells with England age grade sides.
Featuring predominantly for the Wanderers, Hughes played for Saints in Premiership Rugby 7s tournaments and in pre-season ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
He was part of the core group of Northampton players to link up at Goldington Road for the shortened 2021 campaign and scored in the defeat at Nottingham in May.
Head Coach, Alex Rae said: “It’s great to have Jack back with us this season. It was clear he came on leaps and bounds with the game time he had towards the end of last year and he’ll continue to develop.
“He’s got bags of energy and enthusiasm and will be a great character to have around the place. We think with more game time and plenty of hard work, there is plenty of growth this coming season.”
Hughes, who will look to kick on now as a full-time member of the #BluesFamily, added: “I’m really happy to sign permanently for Bedford, a club who really looked after me last year.
“The crowd in the Ampthill victory was the most vocal I’ve ever played in-front of so I’m really looking forward to experiencing that again more next season, including the pre-season game with Northampton which is one I’m obviously looking forward to.
“I feel like this is a new beginning for me. I learnt my trade at Northampton having joined them at 18 straight from school; it was tough, but it hardened me. It was massive for my development to be here last year, and I really enjoy the way Bedford play. I’m keen to kick on again this season.”
