Matt Hodgson leaves Western Force after two decades

Summarised from 2 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 29 Oct, 05:45 · Archive

Western Force legend Matt Hodgson has stepped down from his director role after nearly 20 years with the Perth-based rugby club.

Matt Hodgson, a legendary figure in Western Force history, has ended his association with the Perth-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise. The former Wallabies flanker announced on Thursday that he is stepping away from his role as director of strategic projects, which he held for almost two-and-a-half years. Hodgson told Force staff he believed the club's entry into its next phase was the right moment to give others the opportunity to lead it forward.

Hodgson played 141 games for the Force over 12 seasons and served as captain, winning three Nathan Sharpe Medals and earning 11 Test caps. Since his retirement in 2017, he has held multiple roles within the club across membership, commercial, coaching and high performance departments. In a statement, he expressed gratitude to the Forrest family and acknowledged the club's formative role in his life and career.

Hodgson's departure is one of several staff exits amid the Force's restructure. Chief executive Niamh O'Connor, general manager Chris Goodman and head of operations Tyson Beattie have also left. The upheaval follows Andrew Forrest's announcement that he is transferring ownership of the club back to Rugby WA, with Tattarang planning to exit completely by 2030. Rugby WA chairman John Welborn has stated there is no threat to the Force's future, as the transition to not-for-profit status will unlock government funding of approximately $15 million over four years, to be matched by Tattarang.

How it is being reported

• Favourite son leaves Force, NZ commit to Super RugbyThe Western Force's transition to a not-for-profit organisation has claimed a high-profile victim, while NZ Rugby have committed to staying in Super Rugby.The West Australian · 29 Oct, 05:11
• Favourite son leaves Force, NZ commit to Super RugbyThe Western Force's transition to a not-for-profit organisation has claimed a high-profile victim, while NZ Rugby have committed to staying in Super Rugby.Perth Now · 29 Oct, 05:11
• Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force legend Matt Hodgson to depart off-field role after 20 years at the clubWestern Force legend Matt Hodgson has ended a two-decade association with the club after the former captain announced his decision to step away from his off-field role at the Super Rugby outfit.The West Australian · 29 Oct, 03:37
• Super Rugby Pacific: New Western Force signing Trevor Hosea not included in squad amid ongoing suspensionWestern Force have named their squad for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season — but it does not include new signing Trevor Hosea.The West Australian · 28 Oct, 03:00
• Super Rugby Pacific: Kurtley Beale to return to Western Force in 2027 as scrum-half Harrison Goddard signsKurtley Beale’s late-career renaissance with Western Force is set to continue, giving the Test great an opportunity to once again link up with former running mate James O’Connor.The West Australian · 27 Oct, 23:00

In this story: Matt Hodgson · Western Force · Andrew Forrest · Rugby Australia · Rugby WA · Perth

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