Super Rugby
Matt Hodgson re-signs with Western Force
ESPN Staff
April 14, 2015
Australia's captain Matt Hodgson stretches for the tryline, Barbarians v Australia, Twickenham, London, November 1, 2014
Matt Hodgson returned to the Wallabies side in 2014 © Getty Images
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Matt Hodgson has re-committed to Western Force by signing a contract extension to the end of the 2016, with the option of a further season in 2017.

Hodgson is the most-capped player in Force history, having played 113 matches for the franchise having made his Super Rugby debut against the Brumbies in the club's inaugural match in 2006, and he says he's excited at the prospect of remaining a one-club player.

"Despite being injured, the body feels great, my mind feels fresh and I'm excited about finishing what we've started in the last couple of years," the three-time Nathan Sharpe Medal winner, as the Force's player of the year, said in confirming the deal while recovering from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since round two.

"I started at the club in 2005 and I still don't feel like I've achieved what I've set out to do, which is to win through the second half of the competition and play finals rugby.

"Last year gave us a taste of what can be achieved and, while we've had a challenging start to this season, there's still a lot of potential within the group and the opportunity to finish the season strongly.

"With the added responsibility of the leadership role, I feel like I've been challenged again and it's something I'm excited about. I'm really enjoying my rugby and as long as that's the case, I'll continue to play.

"I'm enjoying being pushed by some of the younger players and the back-row is proving a tough area to crack. I'm really enjoying passing on what I know to the younger blokes, particularly someone like Kane [Koteka]. Seeing players like him come through club rugby and into Super Rugby is really exciting and I'm keen to pass on what I know and what's been passed on to me, to help them in their career."

Western Force coach Michael Foley said Hodgson was the heart of the club.

"In his performances as a player and leader, Hodgo's demonstrated unconditional commitment to the club over the past 10 years," Foley said.

"Earning respect' is the core value of our team, and Matt epitomises that in the way he plays, the way he deals with his teammates and our supporters, and in his determination to do whatever's required to see the club succeed.

"Matt's maintained a high level of performance over a long period of time, culminating in a personal-best season last year, and I'm rapt to know that he's staying with us as a player and leader for another season."

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