Dylan Hughes looking forward to Wales v England

Dylan Hughes is looking to keep up his 100 percent appearance record for Wales when they take to the field against England in a Physical Disability Rugby League international match at Salford Roosters this Saturday (kick-off 1.30pm).

The 26-year old from Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant in Mid Wales travels to Leeds to play his club rugby league, and it was the Rhinos’ name that encourage him to play the sport.

Hughes was there right from the start, playing in the first ever PDRL match in the northern hemisphere, when Warrington Wolves faced Leeds Rhinos in front of over 1,500 fans, in a match pioneered by comedian and Australian international Adam Hills.

“I was really proud to be a part of the first ever PDRL match,” Hughes said. “It was a huge event. It stood out for me as I was part pf something new, and it was good for everyone to meet and share their stories of how they started to play as well.”

Hughes was born with right sided hemiplegia cerebral palsy. He also suffers from epilepsy. This all means that he is unable to use his right hand as affective as my left and is a bit limited with movement on that side of his body. He played some rugby union in the past, but due to his disabilities, he couldn’t continue so when he saw a advertisement from Leeds Rhinos for players, he made contact.

“I either have to travel north to Leeds or down south for Wales training,” Hughes said. “Simon Brown, who coaches Leeds, was holding an event and I happened to see it was on so I went there.

“As soon as I heard that it was Leeds Rhinos and I had a chance of played for that club, then I jumped at the chance. It all took off from there.

“I was then proud to be selected for Wales in our first ever PDRL international and play in a World Cup. Playing PDRL has been good for me. It’s good to keep myself occupied and has helped improve my confidence a lot.”

So it’s England this Saturday at Salford Roosters, a side Wales haven’t beaten yet and Hughes hopes this time will be different.

“It’s always good to face up against the old enemy,” he said. “I’m excited to see how the match goes and if we can put right some wrongs from last out.

“If there’s anyone in the area who can come down and support the Welsh against the English, we’d be really happy to see you.”

For those unable to make the match, it will be shown live on YouTube.

Wales Squad: 
Rhod Davies (Warrington Wolves)*
Kieran Gardner (Salford Red Devils)
Dylan Gimber (Torfaen Tigers)
Dylan Hughes (Leeds Rhinos)
Tyma Hughes (Salford Red Devils)
Matthew James (Torfaen Tigers)*
Simon Kilday (Torfaen Tigers)
Justin Martin (Cardiff Blue Dragons)
Stewart Newton (Salford Red Devils)
Paul O’Keefe (Aberavon Fighting Irish)
Conor Rice (Salford Red Devils)
Gareth Sullivan (Torfaen Tigers)
Chris Young (Leeds Rhinos)

*uncapped