The Western Force have announced the re-signing of club captain Matt Hodgson for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
The retention of their skipper will come as a relief for the Perth-based franchise, who endured a tough 2016 campaign, winning just two matches and finishing bottom of the Australian conference and third last overall.
The three-time Nathan Sharpe Medal winner will head into his 12th season with the club, remaining as one of only two of the club’s inaugural players to still be plying their trade out west, along with Pek Cowan.
The new contract will tie Hodgson to the club beyond 2017. While the openside flanker will once again be out on their field next season, his new contract will see him make the transition from player to coach, with Hodgson set to become a full-time member of the Force’s coaching staff in 2018.
“The idea is we want to build a legacy at this club with the people that are important to us, and Matt is exactly the type of person that we want to hold onto long-term,” said Force coach Dave Wessels.
A new captain will be appointed in 2017 to allow Hodgson to focus on his new role. He will still be part of the Force’s leadership group.
“I guess you could say this contract is in two parts, one being the playing aspect and the second moving into a coaching position and being part of the club in that way for a long time into the future,” said Hodgson.
“It’s great to put pen to paper and I’m thrilled to be here for another season.
“I always wanted to keep playing at the Force and as long I’m adding value I want to be a part of this team.”
The 131-capped veteran, who has made 14 appearances for the Wallabies since making his debut in 2010, believes the recent signing of players and coaches has the Force in a strong position for the future.
The club has already added former NRL player Curtis Rona to its 2017 squad and has also recruited Ben Daley and Ben Matwijow from the Queensland Reds.
“We’re going in a new direction, which is fantastic,” Hodgson said.
“Having a world-class coaching group with different skill sets and different areas of expertise is great.”
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