Hodgson will be hoping to add to his Super 14 appearances in the coming season © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Matt Hodgson

Tournaments/Tours: Super 14

Teams: Australia | Force

Australia A flanker Matt Hodgson has signed two-year contract extension with the Western Force that will see him remain with the Perth-based side until the end of 2011.

The versatile 27-year-old played in all three backrow positions for the WA side during the 2008 Super 14 season, making ten appearances and scoring his maiden try in the 22-21 win over the Chiefs at Subiaco Oval.

A foundation squad member, Hodgson has made 30 Super 14 appearances after debuting against the Brumbies in the team's inaugural match in 2006. A former member of the Waratahs squad, Hodgson said he feels at home in Perth and in the Western Force environment.

"The first three seasons have been terrific for my rugby, and I have really enjoyed myself. We've got a really good squad and we got fantastic support here," Hodgson said. "I'm glad to have the opportunity to play here at the Force for at least the next three seasons.

"I've been here since year one and we've obviously been improving as a side and are looking to take things to the next level and play in the finals," he said. "I think that's very much in our reach this season and if we can retain our squad and build on what we've achieved I can see a very bright future at the club," he said.

Western Force General Manager, Rugby, Mitch Hardy, said Hodgson was a key member of the squad, respected for his on-field prowess, leadership, loyalty and work ethic. "Matt has proven to be a great contributor to the group in the three seasons that he has been here, including being an outstanding leader on our UK tour in August 2008," said Hardy.

"He has represented Australia at just about every level except the Wallabies. That is the stage he aspires to, and he is definitely capable of reaching. "

RugbyWA CEO Greg Harris said Hodgson's off-field influence was as important to the team as his on-field ability. "It says a lot about the organisation to be able to retain someone the calibre of Matt Hodgson, not just the player but the individual," said Harris.

"Matt is a highly respected player with leadership qualities and a tremendous asset to the organisation. We are delighted he has committed to the Emirates Western Force."

Matt Hodgson
Position: Backrow
Physical: 184cm, 100kg
Age: 27 (Born 25/6/1981, Sydney, NSW)
Super Caps: 30
Super Points: 5 (1t)
Super Debut: 2006 v Brumbies, Perth
Representative Honours: Australian Under 21s 2001, Australian Sevens 2004-2005 & 2008, Australia A 2005 & 2008