05/05/2026
Always a honour to sponsor a local lad playing at a high standard. Keep up the good work Michael Hughes for the last few games
Century Up for Hughes: A Landmark Day for Tynedale’s Relentless Loosehead
Tynedale RFC proudly celebrated a major milestone as Michael Hughes made his 100th appearance for the 1st XV at Wharfedale—bringing up his century in what was his 24th outing of the season, a remarkable effort for a front row forward.
Now 37, the Barnard Castle native loosehead made his debut just months shy of his 30th birthday, but has since become a cornerstone of the squad. That first appearance came against Chester in January 2019, a day to remember as Tynedale ran out 35–5 winners, with Morgan Passman and Guy Pike sharing five tries between them.
Hughes entered the action in the 65th minute—unassuming beginnings for what has become a significant Tynedale career.
How Mike ended up at Tynedale is a great tale in itself.
With Peter “Bullet” Southern teetering on the edge of retirement and eyeing life on the other side of the touchline, he was being persuaded to stick a shirt on one last time.
Ever the fixer, Bullet reassured the coaches: “Don’t worry, I’ll find you a prop.”
The trail led back to Barnard Castle, where Chris Wearmouth—already at Tynedale but fresh from a stint at the Durham club—made the recommendation: “They’ve got a lad who’ll do a job for us. Be there Saturday—Mike’s his name.”
Bullet jumped in the car and powered down the A68 to scout his man. Entry fee paid, programme in hand, the now Director of Rugby strolled to the side of the pitch to cast an eye on his would-be successor.
Mike Hughes. Loosehead. Number one jersey.
About an hour into the game, Bullet rang Wearmouth—playing hell about the red herring he’d been sent to watch.
“He’s not over clever… what have you dragged me down here for? He’s not a National League prop at all!”
Bullet continued: “The lad on the other side though—he’s champion.”
Awkward pause.
Turns out… the programme was wrong.
Hughesy wasn’t wearing 1 at all—so he was the other prop.
Safe to say recruitment meetings have improved—but thankfully the right candidate was double-checked before Bullet turned back up the A68.
The rest is history.
“Mike is the Ultimate Clubman,” reflected Southern. “He was the first recipient of the Rory Cramb trophy for Clubman of the Year, which is testament to his standing at Tynedale. He is a huge part of the club.”
Since that day, Mike has become one of the most dependable figures in the squad. Renowned for his work rate, physicality and consistency, he has been a mainstay in the front row—no small feat in one of rugby’s most demanding positions. His 24 appearances this season alone underline both his durability and importance to the side.
Off the pitch, Hughes is just as influential. A hugely popular character, he plays a central role in the squad dynamic—doubling up as organiser, culture builder and, of course, the club’s ever-reliable fines man.
A teammate from both of Mike’s clubs, Chris Wearmouth summed it up best:
“True club man in every sense. Great players’ player and a first-class team mate. Every club needs an organiser and fines man—Mike is that man and does a fantastic job. It’s been a pleasure playing most of his 100 caps with him.”
Head Coach Tom Wilkinson added:
“Lots of people will talk about what an amazing bloke Mike is and they would be absolutely right. He’s one of the nicest and most honest blokes you could wish to meet. But I don’t want people to forget what a brilliant competitor and player he has been for us and still is. He’s so comfortable on the ball, always brings energy—and I’ve even been told he can scrummage.
The club is a better place with Mike in it and we value him immensely.”
Mike is proudly sponsored by Potts Groundworks, while individual sponsors Rufus and Ruth Hall will also be celebrating the milestone. The trio formed a special friendship during the club’s 2024 tour to Canada, and it’s great to see that continue.
Reaching 100 appearances is a significant achievement at any stage of a career. For Mike Hughes—who joined the club later than most—it’s a testament to his commitment, resilience and love for the game.
And if that programme had been right the first time… it might all have turned out very differently.
Here’s to Cap 101 on Saturday. Well done Hughesy.
