Premiership forward signs for Fylde

And he is poised for a baptism of fire in his new colours.

Hughes, a former England 18 international, is now available for Fylde’s clash away to National League One leaders Ealing Trailfinders.

The 19-year-old Hughes played for Preston Grasshoppers prior to his move to Sale, where he has figured in the LV Cup.

The move comes at a time when Fylde have been hit in the forward department.

Gareth Rawlings is set to be suspended, while Ben Vernon is also banned, which finishes with the Ealing match.

Dave Fairbrother is most unlikely to figure on Saturday as he awaits the results of a scan on a knee that he injured during Fylde’s 35-3 win over Wharfedale at the Woodlands on Saturday.

Speaking of the Hughes signing, coach Mark Nelson said: “I have spoken to Dave Wilks and Pete Anglesea about Hughes and I have had an email confirming that he is available to us.

“I have always had close ties with Sale and we have got him through that link.

“Hughes is keen to come and play for us, and along with another young player we have signed from Sale, Sam Bedlow, they will both gain invaluable experience playing National League One rugby.”

*Fylde’s most famous rugby son, Bill Beaumont, has been inducted into the International Rugby Board hall of fame.

Beaumont, the chairman of the Rugby Football Union, is one of 15 new members honoured in this way by the IRB.