Michael Hodge
Wing
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Profile
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Height:
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183cm
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Weight:
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91kg
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Date Of Birth:
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27/05/1989
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Place of Birth:
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Canberra
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Rugby Career
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Senior Club:
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Sydney University
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Born in Canberra, Michael Hodge joined the HSBC Waratahs squad in 2013, on the back of consistent excellence at club level.
Voted Players’ Player of the Year for 2011 by his club Sydney University, Hodge was a member of the Students’ side that contested last year’s Shute Shield Grand Final, losing to eventual winners Eastwood.
A former Australian Sevens player, Michael left Canberra in favour of Sydney five years ago. After taking up the sport as an under-eight with ACT junior side South Tuggernong, he represented his Canberra school Marist College before earning a place in the ARU’s National Training Squad at the age of 15. After three years there, the then 18-year-old moved to Sydney after enrolling for a Bachelor of Education degree with Sydney University. The move was also the start of an enduring club rugby career that saw the talented and versatile outside prove himself an integral part of the Students’ undefeated Colts’ side alongside fellow HSBC Waratahs Bernard Foley and Paddy Ryan.
It was alongside fellow Sydney Uni teammate Foley that Hodge was selected for the 2010 Australian Sevens squad, playing in the first two legs in Dubai and South Africa before injury ruled out any further participation. Fortunately, he recovered in time for the 2010 club season, where his impressive all-round skills set caught the attention of the HSBC Waratahs coaching staff and earned him the chance to train as part of a greater pre-season training squad. Although not an official representative match, Hodge was involved in the pre-season trial match against Samoa, starting in the second XV that contested the final two quarters of the match and scoring a try in the 83-5 demolition at Tamworth’s Scully Park. He went on to play the second trial against Tonga at the then Sydney Football Stadium, playing a full 40 minutes and helping NSW to a comfortable 52-0 win.
Outside rugby, Michael is pursuing a career in education and currently tutors students in both maths and PE. Due to complete his Bachelor of Education degree this year, he would certainly have become a teacher had he not had the opportunity to play for the HSBC Waratahs. As he looks forward to making his Super Rugby and provincial debut in the sky blue in 2013, his parents who still live in Canberra are preparing for frequent trips along the Hume Highway, after promising to become members of the HSBC Waratahs for the 2013 season.
A passionate cricket supporter, Michael lives in the Inner West suburb of Forest Lodge also enjoys a round of golf and, when he gets a chance, enjoys travelling.
Updated September 10, 2012