(Ian Muir photos.)

MADISON HUGHES

From a college player who was just spending a little time in camp to the team captain ... that doesn't happen very often if at all. Madison Hughes managed that jump within a year because he is a smart, confident rugby player, he's articulate, and he plays a key decision-making position. But it doesn't all come together so quickly if Hughes can't perform.

That was the first impression Hughes gave fans. Everyone knew he could sidestep just about anyone in the college game, but out on the World Rugby circuit it was a different matter entirely. Right? Well, maybe not. Hughes showed he has a world class sidestep, enough pace to make it count, and skills all over the place (see the Try of the Year).

We knew it would happen for him eventually. Hughes was a central figure in the USA's Junior World Trophy victory in 2012 and in Dartmouth's 2012 CRC win, as well. The only thing holding him back, it seemed, was his size (he's only 5-7), but in 7s that's less of a factor if you've got speed and physical strength. He has both of those, and an ability to lead a team of players who are, almost to a man, older than he is. He does that by not saying too much, working hard, and being honest. Good enough for us.

But it's still remarkable he's done it all so quickly - to the point that we don't really make mention of it. A year ago he was nowhere near a USA 7s team place. Now he's the captain, and 10th in the World Series in points. He's a good ambassador for the game. He's smart, cares about the image of the sport.

"He knows his own mind, is able to speak his mind, is articulate," said Head Coach Mike Friday when he named Hughes captain. "He has the personality and the character where he doesn't get flustered. He has those attributes, and more importantly, he has the respect of the entire squad. He's not a shouter. He leads by example. He just typifies what we need, as well, in that he is a selfless player and he's a guy who will bring them all together."

  

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