CROSS Keys hooker Darren Hughes is eyeing a treble success after becoming Welsh champion in the boxing ring.

The 25-year-old from Tredegar won the super heavyweight division of the Welsh Elite Championships at Sophia Gardens on Good Friday, beating Liam Whitehouse of Swansea's Premier Amateur Boxing Club over three rounds.

Hughes then played a starring role in helping Keys beat Newport 20-13 at Rodney Parade the following afternoon, starting and putting in a 80-minute shift and scoring from a driving lineout.

The Heads of the Valleys boxer, who is coached by Aneurin Williams and Mel Hamer, won a split decision in the capital.

"When I started boxing winning a Welsh vest was my main aim and now I've done it," said Hughes, who played against Carmarthen Quins on the same afternoon as winning his quarter-final.

"It was a tough fight and he was the favourite – I had the weight advantage and he had the height advantage.

"He was pretty good because I caught him with some big shots in the first round but he took them well and came at me again.

"I was knackered after the first round so had to dig deep knowing that I had to play against Newport the following afternoon! Luckily I got the win and then did the double again by winning with Keys."

Hughes is now hanging up the gloves for a while to play a central role in Keys' bid for the double.

They take on Pontypridd at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park in the Swalec Cup semi-finals on Saturday and are also second in the Principality Premiership and looking good for the playoffs.

He said: "I've had the orders off (head coach) Greg Woods! I'm going to park the boxing for a bit and concentrate on my rugby.

"A lot of the boys didn't know that I boxed but they really got behind me and I have had great support."