Matt Hodgson recommits with Western Force and ARU for two years
Matt Hodgson has made a fresh deal of two years with Australian Rugby Union and Western Force.
He will play a couple of years more for his franchise Force until 2013. He has become the 15th player to refresh the contract with ARU including James Horwill the skipper of Queensland Reds.
Hodgson made his Super Rugby debut in 2006 for Force and is the second most senior player of his team behind skipper Nathan Sharpe. He has remained player of the year for Western Force for the previous two seasons of Super Rugby.
The flanker has also the honour of representing his national side as he made his international debut against the Fiji during last year. He remained impressive in his first ever international appearance and later on he was included for further matches. Recently
he has played more international games against England, New Zealand and Italy.
Hodgson made the announcement of recommitting with ARU and Western Force today morning in Perth. He said that it was his long desire to play for his country at international level, that was fulfilled during last year and he want to carry it on.
He added, “Playing for my country was certainly something that I had always wanted to achieve. Hopefully there will be more opportunity [for me] in the future as well. The way the team finished last year and the excitement of this year being such a big one
in rugby is fantastic. The group can achieve great things. I definitely want to be part of that for as long as possible.”
He further said that he was also enjoying his Super Rugby play with Western Force that made him recommitting.
He argued, “There is a great mix in the squad and I really enjoy playing my football with all of the guys. Having a number of boys in the back row at the Force and in the national side together is great. We all work together well and hopefully can continue
to improve playing alongside of each other.”
The Western Force coach Richard Graham was delighted with his flanker’s move and said that new deal would take his club further up. Graham added that he was one of the senior campaigners of the side so youngsters would learn from his experience.
He also appreciated his services to the club for his dedication and commitment. He accelerated his conversation by saying that Hodgson always plays purposefully and up to the mark that distinguishes him from the other players.
Matt Hodgson is currently suffering from knee injury and has not participated in last couple of games. However, he is expected to participate in their next contest against the Bulls on April 23, 2011 in ongoing Super Rugby championship.
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