Ian Hughes is a flanker with high-flying Abu Dhabi Saracens in the Gulf Top Six.
Height: 1.87m
Weight: 105kg
Position: Back-row
Age: 33
Birthplace: Swansea, Wales
Years in UAE: Two-and-a-half years
Honours: East Wales U11s, Wales Schools U16A (captain), Wales Youth U18s, Wales Schools U18s (captain) and the Welsh Crawshays RFC
Favourite childhood memory of rugby: I have fond memories of Wales v Scotland in the then Five Nations Championship with the legendary Bill McLaren commentating
Favourite player growing up: Scott Gibbs
Rugby team you support: I don’t follow much domestic rugby so this would have to be Wales
Best international at the moment and why: Richie McCaw as he is the rock of the New Zealand team who are, and have been for some time, the No1 team in world rugby
Rule you would change and why: Challenging for a high ball kick needs to be looked at before the World Cup this year. I think there is no consistency in refereeing this area and giving players yellow and red cards can seriously affect the outcome of a match at international level
Best game you ever saw: One of the best games and clinical performances I have ever seen was the 2013 Six Nations when Wales beat England 30-3
Toughest opponent in UAE: In the 2015 Gulf Top 6, I would say that Bahrain have been the toughest opponents
Funniest moment in your career: There have been many funny moments over the years but what goes on tour stays on tour
Greatest achievement in any sport: To be captain of Llandovery College and Wales Schools U18s in the same season
If you could be a professional in any other sport what it would be and why? Formula 1. I think it would be pretty cool to travel the world and drive on some of the toughest race tracks ever designed
Favourite meal: Fillet steak, chips, peas and peppercorn sauce
Favourite place in the UAE: Fairmont – Bab Al Bahr
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