Melbourne Rebels utility back Reece Hodge has signed a four-year extension with both his Super Rugby club and Rugby Australia that will keep him with the Rebels and Wallabies until the next Rugby World Cup.
The 25-year-old has played 39 Tests for the Wallabies – scoring 97 points – since making his debut in 2016. His 2019 World Cup campaign was derailed by a controversial three-game suspension he picked up in the first group stage game against Fiji.
In 57 matches with the Melbourne Rebels, Hodge has 345 points, including 26 tries.
“I’m extremely happy to secure my future here in Melbourne, with the Rebels and Rugby Australia for the long term,” said Hodge.
“Since arriving in late 2015, the club has been my home and the people around the Rebels have become family.
“Regardless of where we have come from or played previously, the Victorian Rugby community and our loyal fans have always welcomed Rebels players with open arms.
“I look forward to playing my part in ensuring Rugby remains strong in Victoria for years to come,” he said.
Scott Johnson, Rugby Australia’s director of rugby, said Hodge was a “talented young player” who the Wallabies were stoked to have locked away for the next four years.
“He is a world-class goal kicker that can be a quality asset for the Wallabies for years to come,” he said.
“He’s had great experience already with the Wallabies and has an opportunity to build on that and set his sights on the next World Cup.”
Purdo
Roar Rookie
Maybe what he actually needs is to go overseas if he can get a contract, and master his trade in a place where there’s more players with different backgrounds. I think journeymen need to travel to master their trades. It’s a pity Wallabies have to commit to being in Oz where the opportunities for learning are fewer. For my whole life of watching test cricket I have read about Australian test cricketers who have played County and league cricket in England, and now in the IPL, so they get a chance to play all year round and really learn their trade from varied experiences. Why is it such a problem that Union players might do this?
Tooly
Roar Rookie
I had hopes for Hodge, but after his performance against Fiji I’ve lost it . He simply can’t tackle front on. The best advise would be to play fullback for the Rebels and learn the position. Any future with Wallaby’s would need to be based on a lot of improvement.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
He can’t tackle either.
Machiavelli
Guest
Personally I would like to see him settle in at fullback for the Rebels and Wannabe's. From what I have seen so far, I think he has all the skills for it. Here's hoping Rennie reads this!
terrykidd
Roar Pro
World class goal kicker ??? Yeah, nah. But good on him for committing to the Rebels although I am still at a loss where he will fit into the backline.
Chris
Guest
Oh dear. He cannot play 10 ever as he has 3 thumbs. He isn`t powerful enough for a 12 .He is a poor reader in defence, so 13 is out. Wing ? we have better specialist wingers than him in Australia.15 at a pinch? good kick but he takes awhile to get the ball away as he has 3 thumbs. Needs to practice. He really is a just a utility back only for me.
James P
Guest
Noting that the Rebels have tended to lose players, it is rare to go to the Waratahs. I count 7 from 2012 onwards only 3 of which were significant losses Beale needed to go to a better support network Phipps left at least partially because the Rebels chased Luke Burgess Faulkner is a bit of a loss Abel, Miller, Holmes and Snowden weren't really significant to the team
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Rennie said that Castle’s support for long term contracts was partially what convinced him to come to Aus, so it is definitely important to him.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well done, long term contracts these days are gold given the number of defections. Rennie and co. will hopefully continue to fight for players to stay.
Paul
Roar Rookie
Great news. I was fearful he'd do what so many other youngsters have done, sign overseas for three years and come back for the start of 2023 to bid for RWC expense. Good on him for a four year commitment, it's heartening to see. I agree with others that the Rebels need to find a consistent spot for him and leave him there.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Terrific signing. This bloke cops some unfair criticism. To me, he values the Wallaby jersey (a lot more than some others).
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Good for the Rebels. Normally this is when they'd lose a player like this back to NSW.
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
Good on him. Hopefully the Rebels bed him down in one position and give him a chance to make that his own. No more Mr. Utility please!