33 goals fuel Hughes' Champions League leap to The New Saints

33 goals in 72 appearances for Connah's Quay Nomads highlighted the 23‑year‑old winger’s rise before he signed for The New Saints, a move he described as a “no‑brainer” to return to full‑time football and chase his first Champions League appearance. The 23‑year‑old winger’s rise before he signed for The New Saints, a move he described as a “no‑brainer” to return to full‑time football and chase his first Champions League appearance.

Born in Wrexham, Rhys Hughes entered Everton’s academy at five and signed his first professional contract in January 2020. During the 2019‑20 season he featured for the under‑18s alongside Anthony Gordon and Ellis Simms, netting three goals and providing six assists in 15 league games.

Everton released him in the summer of 2022, after which he joined Merseyside neighbours Tranmere Rovers. At Prenton Park he scored once in 18 league appearances over two seasons, interspersed with loan spells at non‑league sides Chester and Curzon Ashton.

Hughes signed for Connah's Quay Nomads in August 2024, becoming an ever‑present as the club reached the JD Welsh Cup final under manager Billy Paynter. He later added 15 league goals as the Nomads finished runners‑up in the Cymru Premier under John Disney, crediting Paynter for instilling confidence.

The New Saints secured his services in a deal he called “a no‑brainer”, eager to play full‑time and sharpen his performances. He added, “Speaking to Craig and the way he wants to play and the club itself, the trophies it’s won, the set‑up – it just all fitted perfectly for me.” Harrison, the TNS boss, welcomed Hughes to the squad.

TNS will open their Champions League qualifying campaign against Sabah of Azerbaijan, a step up after their historic 2024‑25 UEFA Conference League group‑stage run. Hughes said, “It’ll be my first time in the Champions League so hopefully it’ll be a brilliant experience and one we can do really well.”

He acknowledges the competition for places will be fierce, noting the squad’s depth and quality. The winger aims to translate his part‑time success into full‑time impact as The New Saints chase European progress.