Former England No. 8 Nathan Hughes named in Fiji squad for November Nations Championship

Nathan Hughes, the No. 8 who earned his last England cap in March 2019, could return to Test rugby in Fiji colours after being named in the Flying Fijians’ squad for the November Nations Championship. The 31-year-old, now in his second season with Top 14 club Racing 92, is listed as one of four potential debutants in Jake White’s first major squad selection.

Hughes’s final appearance for England came in a memorable 38-all draw with Scotland at Twickenham on 16 March 2019. Born in Fiji, he is eligible to switch international allegiance and has made an encouraging start to the club season, scoring two tries in his opening two matches for Racing 92.

White, who took charge of Fiji earlier this year, has begun his tenure with a positive result — a six-point victory over Eddie Jones’s Japan in the Japan Centennial Test, with Ben Volavola kicking two late penalties to seal the win. The Flying Fijians now face a demanding schedule of matches against France, Ireland, Italy, and a fourth opponent to be confirmed for the Finals Weekend.

Alongside Hughes, forwards Peniami Narisia and Marika Parker are also uncapped, as is back Setareki Bituniyata. The wider squad blends that emerging talent with considerable experience. Josua Tuisova and Iosefo Masi return at centre after missing recent fixtures, while Salesi Rayasi and Ponipate Loganimasi are recalled to the back three.

Volavola, who ended a three-year absence from Test rugby against Japan, retains his place, and former All Black Pita-Gus Sowakula is included among the loose forward options alongside Hughes, Kitione Salawa, and Elia Canakaivata. Caleb Muntz also returns to the squad for the first time since the Pacific Nations Cup, while Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula misses out.