Wallabies utility back Reece Hodge will leave Australia after the Rugby World Cup later this year, signing a deal with Top 14 club Bayonne.
Hodge has played 62 Test matches for the Wallabies and is renowned for his versatility featuring on the wing, centre, fullback and flyhalf for the Test team and the Melbourne Rebels.
‘World class’ Hodge
The experienced back endured a seesaw Test season last year, initially missing out on the Wallabies squad for the series with England but would start the final Test after a string of injuries.
He featured in all but one of the Rugby Championship matches and started Dave Rennie’s last game in charge at inside center against Wales.
The 28-year-old’s utility will make him a key player for Eddie Jones in the build-up to and during the World Cup , but he will depart after the tournament.
Bayonne president Philippe Tayeb confirmed on Saturday that Hodge would join the club in November and hailed the Australian as ‘world class’.
“He’ll come to beef up our squad,” Tayeb told French television Canal+.
“He’s a world class player and will bring his all-round ability to help and grow our project and the youngsters in our club,” he added.
Ambitious Bayonne
Bayonne have enjoyed a triumphant return to the Top 14 this season after securing promotion during the 2021/22 season. They currently sit sixth overall and have yet to lose a home game in the League.
The news of Reece Hodge’s arrival comes off the back of Los Pumas’ hooker Facundo Bosch penning a three-year contract extension with the side.
The ambitious team have internationals Uzair Cassiem, Camille Lopez, and Torsten van Jaarsveld, among others, on their books.
Reports have also linked Italian back-rower Jake Polledri to the side ahead of next season.
The Rebels kick off their Super Rugby season with a trip to Perth, where they tackle the Western Force on Saturday, 25 February.
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