A physical backrower and powerful ball carrier. Hughes has been a dominant player for the Black Rams since leaving England and is currently on loan with Urayasu.
Nathan Hughes made his Top 14 debut for Racing, starting at Number 8 in their trip to Lyon.
He scored their only try of the afternoon, powering over from a pick-and-go at close range.
He also showed off his power game with his strong carries and looks set to be a real asset for the Parisian club this season.
He made 22 metres from 8 carries, 7 tackles and 1 dominant tackle.
Racing 92 have released their list of signings for the 2025/2026 season and it is star-studded. Among them is Number 8 Nathan Hughes. The list also features Wallabies Prop Taniela Tupou, former Roosters Centre Joseph Manu and Flying Fijians pair Lekima Tagitagivalu and Selestino Ravutaumada.
For Hughes it’s his first venture into the French competitions after previously playing in Japan, England and New Zealand.
This move will put him right in the frame for Flying Fijians selection.
Former Black Rhinos Number 8 Nathan Hughes is in the sights of Top 14 club Racing 92. The Parisian club is still reeling from a poor 2025 season which saw them finish 10th and at times during the season in real danger of relegation.
Racing already boast a host of Fijians including Josua Tuisova, Vinaya Habosi, Wame Naituvi and the incoming Selestino Ravutaumada.
Hughes made a successful return from injury, his first performance of the season off the bench in the 50th minute for Urayasu against Toshiba Brave Lupus. The D-Rocks were outclassed to the tune of 61-19 and face a tough road trip to face the in-form Blue Revs.
Competition | Club | Games | Tries | Points | Conversions | Penalty Kicks | Drop Goals |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top 14 | Racing 92 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Competition | Years | Club | Games | Tries | Conv | Pen Kicks | Drop Goals | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top 14 | 2025- | Racing 92 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
League One | 2025 | Urayasu D-Rocks | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
League One | 2022-2025 | Black Rams | 34 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 115 |
Premiership | 2019-2022 | Bristol Bears | 40 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
Premiership | 2022 | Bath | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Championship | 2022 | Hartpury College | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Champions Cup | 2021-2022 | Bristol Bears | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Challenge Cup | 2019 | Bristol Bears | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Prem Rugby Cup | 2019-2022 | Bristol Bears | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Premiership | 2013-2019 | Wasps | 99 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 110 |
Champions Cup | 2013-2019 | Wasps | 26 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 |
Challenge Cup | 2013-2019 | Wasps | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
NPC | 2012-2013 | Auckland | 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Years | Team | Games | Tries | Conversions | Penalty Kicks | Drop Goals | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2016-2019 | England | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
The much hyped Racing 92 travelled to Lyon in their opening match. Former Black Rams backrower Nathan Hughes started at the back of the scrum for the Parisians.
He scored their first try of the season in the 7th minute with a pick-and-go from close range.
However it would be their only 5 pointer for the afternoon, the home side Lyon coming away with a 32-7 win.
The 2025/2026 Top 14 Season kicks off tonight. We are tracking close to 50 Fijian players this season. New faces include Nathan Hughes, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada and few players make the step up from the Pro D2 including Alivereti Loaloa and Pio Muarua.
Teamlists for round 1 of the Top 14 are in with Stade Francais hosting newcomers Montauban in the season opener. Peniasi Dakuwaqa starts on the right wing, on the opposite side Josua Vici for USM.
Peceli Yato will make his debut for Perpignan off the bench with Eneriko Buliruarua starting. For Bayonne Luke Tagi has been named in the 23 jumper.
Iosefo Masi makes his Top 14 debut from Lyon's bench, while Nathan Hughes also makes his first appearance as Racing's Number 8. Vinaya Habosi is at 13 while Lekima Tagitagivalu makes his club debut off the bench along with Josua Tuisova.
Vilimoni Botitu is in the 22 jumper for Castres who travel to Pau while Setariki Tuicuvu starts on the wing for Toulon against Montpellier.
Salesi Rayasi play's his first competition match for Bordeaux who host La Rochelle. They have named Levani Botia at 6, Suliasi Vunivalu on the wing and making his Top 14 debut is former Mont de Marsan centre/wing Semi Lagivala on the bench.
Clermont and Toulouse wrap up round 1 on Monday morning with their teamlists yet to be released.
Former Black Rhinos Number 8 Nathan Hughes is in the sights of Top 14 club Racing 92. The Parisian club is still reeling from a poor 2025 season which saw them finish 10th and at times during the season in real danger of relegation.
Racing already boast a host of Fijians including Josua Tuisova, Vinaya Habosi, Wame Naituvi and the incoming Selestino Ravutaumada.