Ned Hodson Signs For AGs, Talks Return To Austin

AUSTIN, TX (February 5th, 2021) The AGs are elated to announce the signing of outside center, Ned Hodson. Hodson played with Austin Elite in year one of Major League Rugby; he’s excited to make his return to Austin, this time as an AG.

“I’ve been out of rugby for a little bit and I’ve just missed that challenge, that aggression, that physicality that doesn’t really exist in any other sphere of life… not legally anyway,” says Hodson. “I really missed it, and I feel really lucky to get a second chance to step into that world.”

After two seasons back home in Ireland with his club Cork Constitution, a now 26-year-old Hodson got the itch to return to professional rugby. Hodson returns to the Texas capital; the same city he called home for the 2018 season. “I just really fell in love with Austin a few years back and I felt really good about the lads that stuck around,” says Hodson. “I’m a big family guy, and that was the feeling I got talking to Sam [Harris], Zinzan [Elan-Puttick], and Mason [Pedersen].”

He played fullback and outside center primarily for Austin Elite in 2018 and will be counted on to do much of the same in the reimagined AG attack. Hodson joins a star-studded outside back group headlined by USA Eagle Bryce Campbell, former All Black Frank Halai, veteran fullback Zinzan Elan-Puttick, and Canadian international wing Jeff Hassler.

Ned Hodson, your @Umbel Man Of The Match killing it with the 4th and last try of our game against @nolagoldrugby

Come catch a game LIVE👇🏼https://t.co/OZ0zH5rjD6

Next home game is on May 25th against @SdLegion 🛡 pic.twitter.com/9rpZMCvD0u

— Austin Gilgronis (@Gilgronis) May 6, 2018

AG Head Coach Sam Harris believes Ned Hodson can cover several positions in the backline, which could prove useful in the slog of the 18-week regular season. “Ned’s versatility initially grabbed my attention; after diving a bit deeper I found Ned is a genuine finisher, confrontational in contact and can also play the distributor role if needed,” says Harris. “In speaking to him, I think he’s matured nicely as a player since 2018.”

Returning To Austin

AGs Head Coach Sam Harris stumbled upon Ned Hodson after delving into the club’s playing history. “I was really keen to retain the AG OGs that we had on the roster like Mason [Pedersen] and Zinny [Zinzan Elan-Puttick], but through the recruitment process I discovered that I could bring founding members back to the group like Ned [Hodson] and Paddy [Ryan] - I’m all for that,” says Harris. In Coach Harris’ film study from Austin Elite’s first season in Major League Rugby, he found that Ned Hodson was a crucial contributor in the team’s attack. Harris felt bringing back Hodson would not only provide a useful playing contribution but a unique perspective in the evolution of this franchise. “I think before knowing where you are going, you need to know where you have come from,” says Harris. “Bringing back OGs gives us a sense of foundation,” says Harris. “All four of those guys started from humble beginnings, and I would love for them to see the evolution of the franchise and ultimately play a major role in the success of the club.”

Aspirations Off The Pitch

Off the pitch, Ned Hodson aspires to be a screenwriter. In his two seasons back home in the UK, Hodson attended film school and picked up acting gigs whenever possible. The Irishman even has a fully written screenplay under his belt. “Movies are really important to me, and ideally I’d like to move into that field; I’m going to continue to pursue on-set opportunities in Austin wherever I can because I know Austin has a really robust acting community -so yea… give me plug to anyone that can put me on,” Hodson laughs.

Ned Hodson touched down in Austin last week and passed COVID-19 screening. He’ll join the team for the start of pre-season training on February 8th.

“That feeling you get when you’re involved a really good team is second to none, it’s a really powerful bond and I’m looking forward to building those bonds and going to war with the lads,” says Hodson.

Welcome back to Austin, Ned Hodson!

Want to watch Ned Hodson in action? Get your AG Season Membership in the Purchase Now link below!