The Newport-born Dragons Academy product, made 119 appearances for the region since his debut in 2010, scoring 22 tries and 124 points. However, Hughes has not played since September 2017, when he played on the wing against Ulster in the Guinness PRO14 championship.
Despite a careful period of rehabilitation since then, he has been forced to retire from rugby on medical grounds.
“Following a precautionary scan at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, the neurologist said that playing rugby wasn’t an option due to two major trauma scars that I had sustained on my brain, so the decision was made there and then for me,” explained Hughes.
Hughes has been a regular and reliable first team player for the Dragons since the 2010/11 season and reflects on his career with pride.
“Playing for the Dragons has given me some unbelievable moments, and I will never forget running onto the pitch for my first appearance at home against Cardiff Blues in front of a packed Rodney Parade, and almost scoring in the corner with my first touch.
“Any derby wins or knock out competition game we have had over the years will be highlights for me, but going up against Montpellier in the semi-final of the European Rugby Challenge Cup and all the superstars they had that day will be the big highlight!
“Not forgetting the time I spent at Bristol and Exeter Chiefs, those times were brilliant and I wouldn’t change leaving the Dragons in 2014. As I think that it made me a much better player when I returned to the region the following season.
“Finally I would like to thank my wife and family for all their support over the years and for the number of miles they have clocked up attending home and away games. I would also like to thank the fans for their support – for them to even make their own song for me ‘The Dambusters’ was a good laugh and it’s things like that and the turnout in the away games at places like Kingsholm that will live with me for a long time to come.
“However rugby wouldn’t have been as enjoyable as it was without a good set of team mates around you and it’s these guys who have made it the best job you could ever have!”
Dragons Head Coach, Bernard Jackman added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Adam for t he huge contribution he has made to the Dragons.He was a versatile player that had brilliant pace and evasion. We wish him well in his next career.”
