FORMER captain Steff Hughes will leave the Dragons next month for a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to play Major League Rugby in America.
The 30-year-old centre has been granted an early release from his contract by the Rodney Parade club so that he can move abroad with his family.
Hughes will stay with the Dragons for the remainder of the first block of the United Rugby Championship.
He will then move to America and be reunited with former Dragons defence coach Simon Cross, who is the boss of Old Glory DC in Washington.
The centre was released by the Scarlets in 2022 and headed east on an initial short-term deal that was extended.
His solidity and leadership meant he was a firm fixture in the side and he was named as club captain in 2023/24.
Hughes has made 38 appearances for the Dragons, scoring four tries, but his time at Rodney Parade is coming to an end.
“It wasn’t the easiest decision because I have really enjoyed my time here and being part of the club,” he said.
“We have had an opportunity overseas and for my partner, myself and our little boy it is the chance to experience something different, and for me to continue playing and do a little bit of coaching too.
“At this stage in my career, and as a family, this was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down.
“I spoke to Dai (Flanagan) and the club about the move, and they have been fantastic and very supportive in allowing me to pursue an opportunity that is once in a lifetime.
“I’ll leave the club with many fond memories. It’s been a privilege to play for the Dragons and captain the club, but mostly it’s been an honour to play in front of the fans and have your support during my time here.”
In-form Aneurin Owen is currently the Dragons’ first-choice inside centre while Joe Westwood and Harry Wilson are the leading candidates at 13, with wing Jared Rosser another option.
Hughes will stay until the end of the first block of the URC with highly-rated Harri Ackerman expected to be back in the mix after the autumn internationals after breaking his leg captaining Wales Under-20s in March.
Dragons head coach Flanagan said: “Steff has been a fantastic servant throughout his time with us and leaves with our best wishes for the future.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with Steff for over a decade, with our time at Scarlets and now Dragons, and I have the utmost respect for the way he always conducts himself and plays the game.
“Steff is an excellent professional, a leader, and he leaves a legacy. He has helped bring on the likes of Aneurin Owen and Joe Westwood and raised the bar with the way our squad operates off the field."
Cross is preparing for his second season in charge of Old Glory and is excited to have signed up Hughes.
“The signing of Steff is another indication of just how attractive Old Glory DC and the MLR is becoming,” said the head coach.
"Steff is one of the big names in Welsh rugby having captained the Scarlets and more recently the Dragons.
"Having worked with Steff at the Dragons, I know the impact he’ll have on this group from a playing and leadership point of view."
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