on the rugby scene. He started his rugby career when he was 5 years old, playing for Waikiwi. His family then moved out to Winton in 1990, and in that year he started playing in the Winton A Grade team. The next year he started his long association with Midlands, playing in all there age group rugby, uptill he turned 17. The next year when Midlands never had an under 17s,18s,or under 21 side, he made his senior debut, playing for the Senior B side. The following year he made his debut for the top side when Blair Symon the hooker got injured, he was only 17 at the time. His first game he said "was a big learning curve" they played Waikaka, and he was marking Paul Millar, who was playing at prop. That was back in 1997 and Ben is still playing now in 2009, it shows the versatility of this amazing guy. Apart from a season at Riverton a few years ago, when Midlands couldn't field a senior side, he's allways been at the club that he's loved since 1991. Ben has played for most Central teams, and is currently playing for Southland Country, who he has done in the past.
Ben is the ultimate club man, if there's anything to be done around he club, he's there doing it. He's served on the committee, he's also the players rep on the committee. The thing, that he said, that makes him keep playing for Midlands is the amount of top guys, that he has played with over the years, he mentions Blair Vinning as a standout. The great club atmosphere, that Midlands generates for everybody, is another reason that he's still playing today. If there is ever a gold medal for dedication to club and team man, than Ben McHugh deserves it hands down. "Your the man Ben."
