Western Force legend Matt Hodgson has announced he will be retiring at the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season.
Hodgson, who is a one-club player, made his debut for the Force in 2006 during their inaugural season and has played 12 seasons since, representing the Wallabies 11 times throughout his career.
The back rower made his debut for the national team in 2010 and to this point has made 139 Super Rugby appearances for the Force over a 12-year career.
One of the Force’s greatest ever players, Hodgson has also won three Nathan Sharpe Medals and four Geoffrey Stooke Force Man Awards, as well as being the Force’s club captain between 2013 and 2016.
Hodgson made his Wallabies debut against Fiji from the bench and earned his first starting spot for the Wallabies during the June international window of 2011.
Hodgson said it was tough decision, but one he was comfortable with.
“It’s a privilege to be able to retire on my own terms while still playing the brand of rugby I’ve always strived to deliver. I hold the opportunity to play for my country and the Western Force in the highest regard and I hope that I have always shown this through the way I have played,” he said.
“The last few years I have enjoyed being the Captain and being part of the coaching team at the Force. It has made my decision to retire from playing easier; as I know that I have many ways to contribute to the team without the broken bones and stitches.
“I’m proud that over the last 12 years WA has become a new generation stronghold of rugby in this country. Our value and real contribution to the game is undeniable at a grassroots level through to the national level,” he added.
Coach David Wessels said Hodgson had been brilliant for the club.
“In many ways ‘Hodgo’ is the life and soul of our club, which you can see in the way he throws his body around on the field,” said Wessels.
“He’s been an incredible support to me and the rest of the team over the last few months, which I will always be very grateful for.”
Hodgson will stay onboard with the club into the future in a coaching role and Wessels said it was great moving forward for everyone involved at the Force.
“We’re delighted that he’s agreed to join us in a coaching capacity next season and will add a huge amount to our group.”
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Good on you Hodgo, absolute Warrior of Australian Rugby, congrats on everything you have achieved. Hopefully you can stay involved in the game !!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Guest
Matt - congratulations on a passionate career, and tor shining the light for younger players to follow. Yours has been a rare commitment.If OZ rugby had more of your attitude we would all be in a different place. From the other side of the island, thanks Matt. Well played.
kickedmyheight
Roar Pro
Absolutely! I haven't yet had the privelage to meet TPN but I have never heard anyone say a bad word about him! I hope they both stick around with the Force for a long while yet!
aussikiwi
Guest
Sad to see him go, even though the time is right. He gave everything he had and then some for his team. Real character and integrity. Very well played Matt.
Train Without A Station
Guest
I'd have to agree with that. He has been an excellent role model.
Bob Wire
Guest
A warrior, well played and best of luck in the future.
Fionn
Guest
Mate, him and TPN are two of the best mentors the young Force players could hope for. Excellent that Matty intends on staying involved in the sport. He's one of the best and nicest personalities in Aussie rugby.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
MH - On field success was low and only a handful of WBs caps. Yet an outstanding career, how so? Commitment, belief, hard work, grind, support, never say die, continuity, honesty, reliability, and on..... The ARU is runs at polar opposites to the way MH carries himself. Such a shame the current mess means his career ending news is greeted by people seeing what the implications are for other issues. Sport doesn't respect sentiment but 2 wins from 2 against the old foe would be fitting. I'll be there Hodgo!!
Scottd
Guest
Treetops The Force announced at the start of the season that Hodgo was playing for one more year and they had agreed a 2nd yr on tge coaching team so this is just confirmation In fact he has played better this year than last imo The Force announced a couple of days ago they have 23? players signed or have agreed terms for next year and to ecpect further announcements in next 2 weeks on that front. They also announced that only 3 players had devided to leave Francois van Wyk, Masirewa and what his name (wing) who are all off to Europe.
Sandgroper
Guest
All the best in retirement Matt. I too have met Hodgo, when he was in rehab, he is a polite, serious man who inspires those around him. Fingers crossed he coaches us next year! Thanks for the unrelenting punishment you went through to keep the Force so competitive.
Kirky
Roar Rookie
Horse! I see mate, let's hope!!
Kirky
Roar Rookie
Onya' Hodgo' and thanks to you for everything all over the Park here in Perth and everywhere else and I know the legacy you leave here for the Force and Supporters will be a difficult act to follow! To say you've been a one Club guy speaks volumes and there's no doubt your influence with your beloved Forcies' and us grubby old Supporters has being a wonderful experience and it would be an understatement mate and you've done Western Australian rugby as a Player Coach and entertainer deluxe, absolutely proud. You go out on your own terms but let's fervently hope that your hard work in every facet needed as a Clubman without peer, doesn't mean it's been in vain mate and myself and thousands of Western Australian and Force Supporters just hope that that wonderful playing career of yours has not been wasted!
Highlander
Guest
Warrior, Old School 7, always enjoyed watching him play - a well earned retirement
piru
Roar Rookie
I don't see it that way OJP - I see them more as hardworking grafters who love the game. Number 4 was never the sharpest or most accurate (may have had the biggest arm though!) but he showed up every day and worked hard. Bear in mind that no one knew then that Aaron Rodgers would end up being Aaron Rodgers, I wouldn't say he refused to step aside so much as wasn't ready to retire - it seemed like every year around the time camp started he'd want to come back, I think he just didn't know how not to be a football player. Anyway, all is indeed forgiven in Titletown, they retired the 4 jersey this past season and he received a nice welcome from the Pack fans
OJP
Guest
Hmmm, I'm not sure on the Favre / Hodgson character comparison Piru.... as I am sure you are aware, Favre refused to step aside for Rodgers, and subsequently played for Vikes and Jets. Went from a beloved team man to a bit of a mercenary who couldnt put himself about the team... oh, and sent a pic of his tackle to a team employee. I reckon all will be forgiven in GB though, if not already.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
+10
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
An absolute Legend. That He's signed onto the coaching staff for next year is great news. We look forward to seeing you in 4th Grade Hodgo!
Brizvegas
Guest
Well done and farewell
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
Did you not see the bit about Hodgo being signed for the coaching staff next season?
OtakiCraig
Guest
Well done Matt, a kiwi here but always respected your approach to the game. Reminded me of all my role models in my life and .. who all played rugby. Solid, dependable, consistent, a team man. All the attributes for leading a good life, again, well done mate and good luck with all your endeavours after rugby, Kia ora