Steff Hughes: Dragons centre signs new long-term contract
- Published
Carmarthen-born Steff Hughes joined Dragons following nine years at the Scarlets, where he made more than 100 appearances for the West Walians
Dragons have announced centre Steff Hughes has signed a new long-term contract with the region.
Hughes has made 17 senior appearances and scored two tries since joining on a short-term deal in October 2022.
The 29-year-old has also captained the side during the 2022-23 season.
"I'm enjoying working with some great people at the club and firmly believe we have an exciting period to look forward to ahead of us all," said Hughes.
Hughes is the latest senior player to sign new terms following Harri Keddie, Ollie Griffiths, Ashton Hewitt, Jack Dixon, Elliot Dee, Joe Davies, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech and Jared Rosser.
"Steff is a key figure within our squad, a player who sets the standards and who wants to really push this club forward," said Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan.
"His behaviours are exceptional and young players like Aneurin Owen and Will Reed will only get better with people like Steff in the building.
"Steff is very aware of the role he can play here. I know the satisfaction he takes from seeing the development of players like Joe Roberts, Ryan Conbeer and Tom Rogers at Scarlets and we feel he can have the same impact here."
Moriarty out, Lydiate in?
Wales back row Ross Moriarty has left Dragons and joined Brive with immediate effect, while Will Rowlands is due to join Racing 92 at the end of the season.
Flanagan has admitted Dragons offered Moriarty the most they could to try and persuade him to stay and is now weighing up how to replace the Wales and British and Irish Lions back row.
Dan Lydiate (L) and Ross Moriarty have been Wales squad members
A player who can match those credentials is veteran former Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate, who has indicated he is out of contract with Ospreys at the end of the season.
Flanagan says he has not spoken to Lydiate as he weighs up whether to try and bolster his back-row resources or strengthen elsewhere.
"We haven't really looked too much into who," said Flanagan.
"We wanted Moriarty because of what he had, but you take that away now and we've got to reflect on what can add to us to replace not just Moriarty but improve areas we need fixing.
"We have had a list given to us by many companies and we have the ability to take our time.
"I know Dan very well, I was very friendly with his brother Jack growing up and I know the family very well.
"Dan personally would be somebody we will take a big interest in. It is whether we can make it happen.
"I haven't spoken to Dan, I haven't even started a conversation, but again, does it fit is the question we always have to ask. Person-wise he would be ideal, but we also need big men in the pack.
"If you look at Glasgow they had four locks 6ft 7in plus. We have big locks but we don't have a 6ft 7in or 6ft 8in guy. So we may take our time and look at that route.
"We are quite settled in the back row. We have got lock who can play six very well and that allows us to move others to eight to cover that.
"We have to look at the profile of the group. This give us the opportunity to go out, take our time and find the right people."
Need to be fair
Flanagan admits it is a tough market for players out of contract and he wanted to respect those people.
"I think when you offer players contracts you also have to make the value fair," said Flanagan.
"You can't go taking the mick out of people because they are desperate for work. I don't think you get the best versions of people if you do that.
"We need to respect the people in the market and give them what they are worth, but certainly there'll be people out there looking for jobs."
Wales squad scrum-half Dane Blacker has also been linked with a move to Dragons from Scarlets.
"He's a good player and we'd like to bring in as many good players as we can," added Flanagan.
"Dane is someone I've known since he was 18 and he fits the model of the person we want to bring in, so let's see what comes."