Hodge on his way back to fast lane
JOSH Hodge has set his sights on an exciting end to the season after making an impressive return to action following injury.
The Exeter speedster was in flying form for the Devonians at the start of the campaign, only for his charge to be brought to an abrupt halt when he dislocated an elbow in the Premiership defeat at Harlequins last October.
Back within three months, the 23-year-old was quickly up and running for the Chiefs, who will return to English and European action later this month nicely poised to attack both the Premiership and the Champions Cup.
Before then, however, Hodge has been showcasing his skills on the international stage, playing a prominent role in England A’s 91-5 victory over Portugal at Welford Road a week ago.
The fleet-footed fullback was in dazzling form for the hosts, scoring one of 15 tries, as well as landing five conversions with the boot.
Hodge was one of the shining lights in England’s dominant display, which was watched by Steve Borthwick and other members of the senior coaching staff.
Back in 2020, former England head coach Eddie Jones called the then Newcastle Falcons youngster up as an apprentice as his squad prepared for the Six Nations Championship.
It proved a valuable insight into life at the highest level for Hodge, whose eye for sporting glory has previously seen him serve as an academy youngster at Preston North End, as well as train with Great Britain’s Under-21 clay pigeon shooting team.
“I really want to be pushing on now, I’ve done the age groups, so I want to go into that men’s game now,” said Hodge. “I want to kick on and, hopefully, push into that first team at some point soon. For that to happen, though, I know I’ve got to keep working hard at Exeter.”
With a fierce determination to succeed, it would take a lot to deter Hodge from achieving his overall ambitions. Certainly, he has bounced back impressively from his setback earlier in the season and now he wants to use his latest call-up as the launchpad for bigger and better things.
“Obviously, the injury came at a bad time, but you can’t look back now,” he added. “I’ve only got to look into the future and see where it can take you. It’s just down to how much hard work I want to put in now and how I want to keep grafting away to hopefully earn that badge.”
With backs coach Sam Vesty also being offered his chance to take his club plan at Northampton Saints onto the international stage, the young England backs clearly flourished in the space afforded to them by Portugal.
“Sam said just play heads up rugby,” added Hodge. “Play what you see and just enjoy yourselves out there.”
The directive was one that clearly appealed to Hodge and his fellow backs, who made light of their short preparation time to put on a stylish show in the East Midlands.
“Coming together in such a short space of time, we just focused on the fundamentals and the basics,” explained Hodge.
know we’re all here for a reason, we all bring certain attributes to the game, so it was just a case of play what you see and if one decision is made, back it.”
Hodge was joined in the England set-up by club-mates Greg Fisilau, Josh Iosefa-Scott and Rus Tuima – and the quartet underlined their selections with the kind of form that has served them so well for the Chiefs this term.
“It was great to run out with the other boys from the Chiefs,” he said. “A lot has changed at the club this season, but as everyone has seen the young boys have really stepped up and today was another example of that. For all of us, it’s going to be a big end to the season and we’re looking forward to what we can achieve.”