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‘It means a lot’: Reece Hodge excited for ‘new challenge’ after Rebels milestone

(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

At just 28 years of age, Wallaby Reece Hodge is set to leave the Melbourne Rebels and Australian rugby behind after signing a deal with French club Bayonne earlier this year.

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That transfer was revealed to the rugby world more than 100 days ago, but the reality of the move abroad has undoubtedly begun to sink in for the 62-Test veteran.

Playing his 100th game for the Melbourne Rebels on Friday night – becoming the first player at the club to reach that milestone – Hodge hoped to inspire the team to a win over the Brumbies.

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The Rebels needed a win over their Australian rivals to keep their playoff hopes alive, while a loss at GIO Stadium would bring their season to an early end.

Brumbies winger Corey Toole showcased his electric speed to open the scoring down the left wing in the 15th minute, but the visitors managed to hit back shortly after.

Hodge nailed a penalty attempt, and converted a Carter Gordon try shortly after.

But Hodge was sent to the sin bin a few minutes later, and that’s when the Brumbies really began to take control. In the end, the hosts ran away with a convincing 33-17 win.

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Speaking with former Wallaby Drew Mitchell after the match, Hodge spoke about how “proud” he was to reach a century of games for the Melbourne-based franchise.

“It means a lot,” Hodge said post-game on Stan Sport.

“The fact that Melbourne’s not a traditional rugby state, guys moved from Queensland, New South Wales and even Perth to come play so it’s a tight knit group.

“Great bunch of guys, great club and I wish them all the success in the world the next few years. The club’s in a good spot and hopefully can leapfrog into some good performances.”

When Rugby Australia confirmed earlier this year that Hodge was set to head overseas, Bayonne club president Philippe Tayeb described the 28-year-old as “a world-class player.”

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Hodge has famously played almost every position in the backline for the Wallabies – his versatility and long-range goalkicking ability has served the national team well time and time again.

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While the Wallaby added that he’s “looking forward” to plying his trade in Europe, the utility back hinted at his desire to represent Australia at this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

“Playing in a new competition and hopefully I get to play a few European games,” he added.

“It’s something different, a new challenge and I’m looking forward to it.

“Hopefully there’s a bit to go before I head over.”

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Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Rassie Erasmus' Boks selection policy is becoming bizarre

To be fair, the only thing that drives engagement on this site is over the top critiques of Southern Hemisphere teams.


Or articles about people on podcasts criticizing southern hemisphere teams.


Articles regarding the Northern Hemisphere tend to be more positive than critical. I guess to also rile up kiwis and Saffers who seem to be the majority of followers in the comments section. There seems to be a whole department dedicated to Ireland’s world ranking news.


Despite being dialled into the Northern edition - I know sweet fokall about what’s going on in France.


And even less than fokall about what’s cutting in Japan - which has a fast growing, increasingly premium League competition emerging.


And let’s not talk about the pacific. Do they even play rugby Down there.


Oh and the Americas. I’ve read more articles about a young, stargazing Welshman’s foray into NFL than I have anything related to either the north and south continents of the Americas.


I will give credit that the women’s game is getting decent airtime. But for the rest and the above; it’s just pathetic coming from a World Rugby website.


Just consider the innovation emerging in Japan with the pedigree of coaches over there.


There’s so much good we could be reading.


Instead it’s unimaginative “critical for the sake of feigning controversial”. Which is lazy, because in order to pull that off all you need to be really good at is:


1. Being a doos;

2. Having an opinion.


No prior experience needed.


Which is not journalism. That’s like all or most of us in the comments section. People like Finn (who I believe is a RP contributor).


Anyway. Hopefully it will get better. The game is growing and the interest in the game is growing. Maybe it will attract more qualified journalists over time.

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