Matt Hodgson re-signs with Force

The Western Force have announced the re-signing of club stalwart Matt Hodgson for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

The openside flanker and three-time Nathan Sharpe Medal winner will head into his 12^th season with the club - who along with Pek Cowan - are the last inaugural players of the Western Force.

“I guess you could say this contract is in two parts, one being the playing aspect and the second moving into a coaching position and being part of the club in that way for a long time into the future," said Hodgson.

“It’s something as a club we are looking at; trying to get players more involved in different aspects of rugby as a business and coaching genuinely excites me."

As part of this progression, Hodgson will do hands-on coaching next year and be officially part of the coaching structure from 2018.