Nathan Hughes is in the mix to make an immediate return for Bristol Bears this weekend as the club look to get their last 16 knockout round doubleheader off to a strong start at Sale Sharks .
Former England number eight Hughes has been away on loan at Bath Rugby for two months and ripped up trees during his time at the Rec, putting in the powerful, front-foot earning, barnstorming performances that he is capable of at his best.
Hughes, 30, who will leave the Bears at the end of the season to move to French Top side Clermont Auvergne, impressed so much in the blue, black and white that Bath tried to extend his loan until the end of the season.
But Bears director of rugby Pat Lam wanted his giant, nearly 20 stones, number eight back for Europe and he confirmed he goes straight into contention to play at the AJ Bell Stadium where the away side will need a significant degree of size and power in their squad to go toe-to-toe with the Sharks’ South African enforced pack.
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Lam said his selection will be ‘horses for courses' with the players best suited for his side’s game plan this weekend getting the nod.
Lam said: “Everything was geared for Nathan to come back at this time. We planned everything around being ready for the Champions Cup.
“He is back and up for selection this week along with all the others.
“It has been great to have Nate back, very good.
“He always brings energy and he has stayed in touch with the players all the way through his loan, socially as well.
“He is happy, back in and back in like normal. It is good to have him here.”
Hughes will be competing with Bristol’s emerging star Fitz Harding, fit-again Steven Luatua, Dan Thomas, Sam Jeffries, Jake Heenan and potentially versatile Chris Vui for a place in the backrow in the starting XV.
In recent weeks Lam has made the unorthodox decision to go with just four forwards and four backs on the bench, while most have five and three backs and directors of rugby even opt for six forwards and two backs to ensure fresh legs in the pack
If Lam does opt for just four forwards again - which he explained was possible because of hooker Harry Thacker’s versatility to be able to play in the backrow as he finished the game away at Saints last weekend - Hughes could find himself missing out.
