Daniel John Hughes

Daniel Hughes was a sturdy forward, usually as a hooker, for Taranaki in what was a successful period for the province in the 1890s. Hughes, from the Waimate club, though he also played for Tukapa in 1897, was a regular first choice between 1892 and 1898.

One of his most notable performances was in Taranaki's big 21-6 win over the New South Wales touring team in 1894. Hughes was one of five Taranaki players rewarded with selection for the only international of the tour played at Lancaster Park in Christchurrch.

Though the tourists had a poor record, losing eight of their 13 matches, they won the "test" match 8-6.

That was Hughes' only appearance for New Zealand though his quick exit from the national reckoning probably had little to do with the disappointment in that result. International matches in those years were erratically spaced and there were no more matches by New Zealand until Queensland made a short tour in 1896.

Hughes was noted for his powerful physique and as well as his rugby prowess he was one of Taranaki's best wrestlers.

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