Dual international Hodgman hangs up his boots
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MELBOURNE - Queensland Reds prop Alex Hodgman, one of five players to have represented both New Zealand and Australia, has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 32.
Auckland-born Hodgman made his test debut with the All Blacks against the Wallabies in 2020 and four years later pulled on Australia's gold jersey for a test against Georgia.
He became the fourth player to represent both trans-Tasman nations and the first in 50 years, following Ted Jessep, Des Connor and Owen Stephens.
The exclusive club welcomed a fifth player when Aidan Ross came on as a replacement prop in Australia's 19-15 win over Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.
Hodgman, a former Auckland Blues stalwart who also played for the Canterbury Crusaders in Super Rugby, will head back to Auckland to start his post-rugby life, the Reds said in a statement on Tuesday.
"For me, setting up my family has always been the most important thing," Hodgman said in the statement.
"I wanted to taste something different in Queensland and we definitely did that with a good experience.
"Ultimately, NZ is my home. I had a lot of fun playing footy. You know when it's time to finish up."
Hodgman was one of four players confirming their exit from the Reds on Tuesday, along with retiring loose forward Connor Vest, long-serving prop Sef Fa'agase and young hooker Max Craig. REUTERS
