Steff Hughes Backing Sio Tomkinson to Star

Centre Steff Hughes believes fellow midfield ace Sio Tomkinson will only get better next season after settling into life at Dragons RFC.

Tomkinson made the switch from Super Rugby last season and the 27-year-old made 15 appearances across all competitions.

The Dunedin-born centre was at his blockbusting best against Scarlets on Judgement Day with his try and all-around excellence helping propel the Men of Gwent to an impressive final day victory.

It was a performance noted by team-mate Hughes who is excited to see how Tomkinson continues to thrive in the environment at Dragons.

“Sio is an excellent rugby player,” said Hughes, who signed a new long-term agreement with the club at the end of last season.

“I obviously can’t speak about what it’s like to moving from overseas to a different country, not knowing anyone and getting to find your feet, but you see aspects of what he can do.

“He’s such a powerful guy, has brilliant skills and is a brilliant defender. I’m sure he’s going to be important for us next year.

“I really enjoy playing in the centre alongside him, he’s a high-quality player so it’s brilliant to team up with people like Sio.”

Hughes and Tomkinson are among several players eager to nail down the entre spots next season in the BKT United Rugby Championship and EPCR Challenge Cup.

And Hughes believes that rivalry and competition for places will only escalate with a number of exciting talents pushing through.

“We’re all pushing each other to get better, especially with the younger boys coming in,” he said.

“Obviously we’ve got Aneurin Owen, who’s an excellent rugby player. He’s had an unfortunate couple of injuries, but he’s got some special strengths.

“Max Clark has been good this year when he’s played, he’s been physical and gives us something different, plus the likes of Jack Dixon who has been here for so long and shown what he can do.

“We’ve also got two good young centres coming through, in Harri Ackerman and Joe Westwood. It’s only good for us because it just creates competition which increases performances.”