Former All Black turned Wallaby Alex Hodgman has retired from skilled rugby union, with the Queensland Reds farewelling the twin worldwide and three different gamers after the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Queensland Rugby Union has thanked Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest, Max Craig and Hodgman for his or her dedication to the Reds. On this announcement, the Reds revealed Hodgman and lock-backrower Vest had determined to name time on their prolonged careers.
Hodgman has returned to Auckland, New Zealand, after spending two seasons within the Sunshine State with the Reds. The front-rower made 17 appearances for the Queensland membership, resulting in Wallabies honours with a debut towards Georgia in July 2024.
Solely 5 males have represented each the All Blacks and Wallabies, with Reds prop Aidan Ross turning into the most recent participant to affix that unique membership in Australia’s 19-15 win over Japan at Tokyo’s Nationwide Stadium on Saturday.
“For me, organising my household has at all times been an important factor. I needed to style one thing completely different in Queensland and we positively did that with expertise,” Hodgman, Reds participant #1396, stated in an announcement.
“In the end, NZ is my residence. I had plenty of enjoyable enjoying footy. You realize when it’s time to complete up.”
“Sef, Alex, ‘Vesty’ and Max have all made essential contributions to the Reds throughout my time on the membership. They depart with our needs for fulfillment sooner or later,” Reds coach Les Kiss added.
At 27 years of age, Vest performed his first of 32 matches for the Reds in 2022. The utility ahead described the prospect to play for Queensland as a “dream” that “took a really very long time to realize” – together with an look towards the British & Irish Lions in July.
Craig, 22, continues to be centered on a profession in skilled rugby. The hooker overcame a damaged ankle to play for the Reds towards Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights final weekend, concluding an “fascinating trip the previous two years.”
Then there’s Fa’agase, who performed 92 matches for the Reds throughout two stints. The prop began in 12 of 13 appearances throughout this yr’s Tremendous Rugby Pacific season, together with the Qualifying Remaining away to eventual champions the Crusaders in Christchurch.
“To play one recreation for the Reds was large. To play 92 is one thing of a dream as a result of the Reds was the primary rep facet I ever made,” Fa’agase mirrored.
“Probably the most pleasing factor for me is to see the place I used to be as a child from Shailer Park to the place I’m now, on and off the sphere. This second stage on the Reds (2022-25) has been the favorite a part of my profession.
“I’ve acquired actual enjoyment and satisfaction seeing younger props and hookers are available in and develop as a lot as they’ve simply in a single yr.
“Hopefully, I’ve helped in that course of as a result of I’ve at all times had a love of the Reds jersey and wish to see Queensland rugby hold doing effectively.”
