Warriors Sign Fly Half Joel Hodgson
September 13, 2022 – Major League Rugby (MLR) – Utah Warriors News Release
HERRIMAN, UT – The Utah Warriors have signed Fly Half Joel Hodgson to a multi-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.
“Prior to speaking to Brandon [Sparks], I had always heard that Zion bank stadium was the standout grounds of the MLR,” said Hodgson. “Once I got to know Brandon and learned what the Utah Warriors were about as an organization, the work they did in the community and their mission to grow rugby in the US, it was a no-brainer that I wanted to be a part of the journey.”
“Joel has a tremendous amount of experience at one of the highest levels of rugby, playing Premiership Rugby in England,” said Warriors’ General Manager Brandon Sparks. “Having someone like him in our locker room and helping to lead the boys on the field will be a big boost for us this coming season.”
Hodgson was born in Newcastle, England and prepped at Royal Grammar School in Newcastle before starting his professional rugby career in 2010.
He joins the Warriors with 110 appearances in Premiership Rugby in England, having played for the Newcastle Falcons (105 appearances) and Northampton Saints (5 appearances). In addition to his experience in Premiership Rugby, Hodgson has made three appearances for the Rotherham Titans, 24 appearances for the Yorkshire Carnegie and most recently played for the Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship League.
Hodgson has scored an impressive 467 points over the course of his professional career.
“Having over 150 appearances for the Newcastle Falcons in both premiership and European competitions, I have experienced both the highs and lows of professional rugby,” said Hodgson. “I hope from my experiences I am able to help my teammates perform under different pressures throughout the season. I also hope to share any insight into how things are done in rugby in Europe to try and help Utah and the MLR grow. I’m excited to learn more about the MLR and to experience new techniques and approaches to the game from my coaches and teammates as well.”
The Warriors add Hodgson to an already talented fly half/fullback position group that includes Cliven Loubser, Caleb Makene and Connor Burns as Utah looks to bounce back from a 5-11 season and compete for a Major League Rugby Championship in 2023.
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