Wasps' Nathan Hughes says he's committed to England
Thursday 20 October 2016 20:00, UK
Wasps No 8 Nathan Hughes insists sacrificing a World Cup and building a new life halfway across the globe proves his commitment to England's cause after qualifying on residency.
The 25-year-old has revealed he suffered some criticism after opting to represent England, rejecting the opportunity to go to the 2015 World Cup with Fiji, the country of his birth.
Hughes is in line for his England Test debut after he was named in head coach Eddie Jones' 37-man training squad ahead of the autumn internationals.
World Rugby could extend the three-year residency qualification period for a nation to select a player born abroad by two years, but Hughes has outlined the challenges of the current system.
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"It wasn't easy. People said 'you're not from here, why do you want to play for England, you should be playing for your own country'," said Hughes. "But at the end of the day it's my decision and it's my choice, who I want to play for.
"I count this as home now. England is where I've played for more than three years and I'm comfortable in saying this is home.
"No disrespect, Fiji is always in my heart and my family will always be there. But this is where I play my rugby, this is my bread and butter, over here."
Hughes left Auckland for Wasps in 2013 and has detailed how seeking a fresh start in a new country on the other side of the world was not always plain-sailing.
"It was a long three years," added the flanker. "To be fair when I first came to Wasps that wasn't in my mind to play for England.
"But as the year went along and I got games under my belt, I felt good, then the second year I got going again, and I came into form.
"And then it came into my mind that England could potentially be one of my goals. My family and everyone's delighted, stoked and chuffed for the decision I've made as well.
"It is very exciting to have made the England squad, but the easy bit's done now. I'll have to battle really hard to keep making the cuts moving forward.
"If I can keep playing well and improving week on week then hopefully the rugby will do the talking."
