Hughes Pens Exeter Deal

Exeter have announced the signing of Welshman Adam Hughes on a two-year deal.

The powerful back, who scored a try for Bristol in Wednesday's night Championship final play-off defeat to London Welsh, moved to the West Country from Newport Gwent Dragons until the end of this season.

"We had a look at him about three years ago just before he re-signed with the Dragons. He was player-of-the-year that year, so we looked to sign him and have kept tabs on him ever since," said Exeter head coach Rob Baxter.

"I know he has had less involvement in the Dragons first team and he's moved to Bristol for game time, but there are reasons for it - he has had a couple of injuries and there has been a change of coaches at Newport.

"When we met him and he did his physical testing, everything showed that he was definitely worth us having another look at.

"He is one of those guys who has the physical potential to be very good and just needs to get some decent rugby under his belt and kick-start his career."

Hughes, 24, can play wing, centre and full-back.