Major League Rugby: USA outfit Utah Warriors confirm Joel Hodgson signing

Former Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints fly-half Joel Hodgson has inked a multi-year deal with Major League Rugby side Utah Warriors.

Hodgson, who has scored 467 points during his career and played 110 games in the Premiership, moved to Glasgow Warriors on a short-term deal in 2022.

But the 30-year-old playmaker has now made the switch to the USA and sees the decision as a “no-brainer” as he looks for a fresh start in his rugby career.

USA move for fly-half

“Prior to speaking to Brandon [Sparks] I had always heard that Zion Bank Stadium was the standout grounds of the MLR,” Hodgson told the Utah website.

“Once I got to know Brandon and learned what the Utah Warriors were about as an organisation, 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.”

Warriors’ general manager Brandon Sparks said: “Joel has a tremendous amount of experience at one of the highest levels of rugby, playing Premiership Rugby in England.

“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.”

The Newcastle-born fly-half is looking to call on his experiences playing at the top level to help his new side in the upcoming Major League Rugby season.

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“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,” he added.

Excited to learn

“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.”