New signing Hodgson keen to learn from Saints’ international stars

Joel Hodgson says he has joined Premiership champions Saints to work with, and learn from, the club’s clutch of international-class half-backs.
ENGLAND MAN - Saints scrum-half Lee Dickson (Picture: Linda Dawson)ENGLAND MAN - Saints scrum-half Lee Dickson (Picture: Linda Dawson)
ENGLAND MAN - Saints scrum-half Lee Dickson (Picture: Linda Dawson)

The 21-year-old has signed on at Franklin’s Gardens from his hometown club Newcastle Falcons, and although he admits it is a wrench to make the move, he believes he can boost his career at Northampton.

Especially as he will be around the likes of Kahn Fotuali’i and Lee Dickson every day in training.

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“The Saints has been one of the top clubs in the Aviva Premiership for a number of years and it is an exciting place to be right now,” said Hodgson, who can play either scrum-half or fly-half.

“I’m under no illusions that it is going to be a steep development curve for me, but having players like Kahn Fotuali’i, Lee Dickson and Stephen Myler at the club means that I’m going to be learning from some of the best half-backs in the country.”

Hodgson has spent his entire career to date at Newcastle, and admits he will miss life at Kingston Park.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle for everything they’ve done for me over the past few years,” said the former England Under-18 international.

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“I grew up supporting the Falcons and to wear the first team shirt was a real privilege.

“Leaving Kingston Park and the friends and supporters I have at the Falcons will be a wrench for me, but I believe that the move to Northampton is in the best interests of my long-term career.”