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Scott Barrett on what he saw at set piece time against the Springboks
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Former England back-row scores in Top 14 ahead of potential debut for new nation
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Former England No.8 Nathan Hughes capped his call-up to Fiji’s squad by bagging a try in his first appearance of the Top 14 season for Racing 92 on Saturday.
The 35-year-old came off the bench in Racing’s 55-25 victory over Perpignan, making an immediate impact just days after being included in the Flying Fijians’ 68-man extended squad.
Hughes, who won 22 caps for England between 2016 and 2019, missed out on Fiji’s Nations Championship squad in July but is now back in the frame ahead of the Test against Japan on October 24 and the Nations Championship fixtures that follow.
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His inclusion creates the possibility of a Test debut for the country of his birth seven years after his final England appearance, with Fiji naming a vast group before trimming it down for the autumn programme.
The move would make Hughes one of the latest former England internationals to represent another nation under World Rugby’s current international eligibility rules. Hughes’ former Wasps team-mate Jacob Umaga has since switched his allegiance to Samoa after making his England debut in 2021, while props Henry Thomas and Alec Hepburn have represented Wales and Scotland, respectively, after their England careers.
Fiji squad
Forwards: Atunaisa Sokobale, Eroni Mawi, Livai Natave, Meli Tuni, Peni Ravai, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau, Peniami Narasia, Sam Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama, Vilikesa Nairau, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Luke Tagi, Mesake Doge, Samu Tawake, Tim Hoyt, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Setareki Turagacoke, Joseva Tamani, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Tevita Ratuva, Watisoni Waqanisaravi, Etonia Waqa, Josefa Namosimalua, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Peceli Yato, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Levani Botia, Motikiai Murray, Albert Tuisue, Elia Canakaivata, Isoa Tuwai, Nathan Hughes, Pita-Gus Sowakula.
Backs: Frank Lomani, Sam Wye, Simione Kuruvoli, Terio Tamani, Ben Volavola, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini, Etonia Rokotuisawa, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Joji Nasova, Vuate Karawalevu, Filimoni Botitu, Inia Tabuavou, Josua Tuisova, Seta Tamanivalu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Kavekini Boselawa, Semi Lagivala, Setareki Bituniyata, Sireli Maqala, Vinaya Habosi, Virimi Vakatawa, Maleli Nauvasi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Isikeli Rabitu, Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Salesi Rayasi, Setariki Tuicuvu.
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