Career
His regular position is in the back row. Youth
At youth level, Hughes played rugby for Bolton School and also skippered Lancashire at various youth levels. He started his senior career at Preston Grasshoppers.
Sale Sharks
Hughes signed a two-year deal with Sale Sharks prior to the 2013-2014 season, where he mostly played for their academy side, the Sale Jets.
He was an unused replacement in their Challenge Cup match against fellow English side Worcester Warriors, but made his domestic debut against the same opposition, starting their 20–6 victory in the 2013-2014 LV Cup in January 2014 and also played in their match against the Ospreys the following week. Hughes also featured in their final pool stage match against Irish side Munster.
During the 2014-2015 season, Hughes also joined National League 1 side Fylde on a dual registration basis and made three appearances for the side. In July 2015, Hughes had a spell with South African side the Eastern Province Kings, representing their Under-21 side in the 2015 Under-21 Provincial Championship.