1
Black Rams sign ex-England and Wales international duo
By Ian Cameron
Japan Rugby League One side Ricoh Black Rams have signed a duo of heavy hitters in one fell swoop today.
Both former England No.8 Nathan Hughes and ex-Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes will line up for the Tokyo-based side next season.
The Rams have also signed former Blues and New Zealand U20s second row Josh Goodhue for good measure.
Parkes - who earned 29 caps for Wales between 2017 and 2020 - has already won a Japanese title with Saitama Wild Knights [formerly Panasonic] and is re-upping for another spin in the league, albeit with a different team.
The 34-year-old left Wales in 2020 and spent two seasons with the Knights and will move from Saitama to the Japanese capital this autumn.
"My family and I are very excited to have the opportunity to join the Ricoh BlackRams Tokyo," Parkes told the club website. "We have thoroughly enjoyed living in Japan and are looking forward to continuing immersing ourselves in the Japanese way of life. The BlackRams are a young and exciting team and I’m looking forward to playing my part in contributing to a successful season."
Meanwhile, Hughes has rejuvenated his career after a long spell on the sidelines with Pat Lam's Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership. An outstanding loan spell with Bath saw his stock rise dramatically, which led to a number of clubs in France targeting his signature.
However the 6'5, 125kg loose forward has prefered to cash in a lucrative deal in Japan.
Hughes said of the move on the club website that: 'My move over from the UK, I’m filled with enthusiasm, motivation and I’m very focused. I can’t wait to meet my teammates, coaches, staff, fans and everyone else who are involved with the team. I’m ready to overcome new challenges and push myself further. I’m grateful for where I’ve been and what I’ve achieved but I’m excited for where I’m going. Japan is a new adventure.
Ricoh Black Rams finished 9th in last season's competition.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
3
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
4
Fissler Confidential: One England international in, one out for Bath
5
Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
Go to comments