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Rugby Australia lock in Reece Hodge on a long-term contract extension
By Online Editors
Wallabies utility back Reece Hodge has re-signed with Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels until the end of 2023.
The 39-test Wallaby has committed his immediate future to Australian rugby in a deal that will take him through to the 2023 World Cup in France.
Hodge, a former Australian Schoolboy and Junior Wallabies representative, burst onto the scene with the Rebels in 2016 after impressing for Sydney Shute Shield club Manly and ultimately capped a dream first season of professional rugby with his maiden test cap.
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Having debuted against New Zealand in Wellington in 2016, Hodge went on to be a mainstay of the Wallabies right through until the recent 2019 World Cup in Japan.
“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.
“I’ve only ever been coached by [Michael] Cheika at international level, so it will definitely have a different feel with Dave Rennie and his new coaching staff coming on board and I’m really excited about the future.”
Rugby Australia director of rugby Scott Johnson said: “Reece is a talented young player and we’re really happy to have him locked in for the next four years.
“He is capable of playing across almost every position in the backline, has some speed and a strong skill set. He is a world class goal kicker that can be a quality asset for the Wallabies for years to come.
“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.”
The Melbourne Rebels kick off the Super Rugby season in Japan against the Sunwolves on February 1.
- Rugby Australia
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That is a matter of players style of play. Will Jordan's strength is his running . He has been absolutely deadly for the the Crusaders in that position. Especially in years 2021-23. Foster subsequently then Razor put him on the wing. Scored heaps of tries, but as he showed in one test against Australia this year , he scored a try running from the back, that was amazing. That was after Robertson finally put him at 15 because Beauden was injured. Thankfully there Will remained. Speaking of Beauden and kicking. He kicks too much, waywardly as well. Handing the ball back to the opposition. He is an impact player at best.
Go to commentsYet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
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