It is bittersweet that we bid farewell to Michael Hodge Head of High Performance, as he takes up an exciting new opportunity as Head Coach of MLR expansion team, the Dallas Jackals.
The Jackals were scheduled to join the Major League Rugby competition in 2021, and after COVID related restrictions, will make their inaugural season debut in 2022.
Michael grew up in Canberra and first joined SUFC as an 18-year-old in 2008. That year, the 1st Colts won an undefeated premiership and Michael was awarded 1st Colts, Best and Fairest. He went on to play 70 1st Grade games, and in 2012 won his first Shute Shield Premiership and was awarded 1st Grade Players Player. After professional rugby stints with the Australian Sevens and the NSW Waratahs, Michael retired from playing and took up a role as Senior Mathematics teacher and 1st XV Coach at Cranbrook School.
Michael returned to the Club in November of 2018, as Director of Rugby and 1st Colts Head Coach. During his time at SUFC, the club has celebrated many successes and Michael’s contribution through recent challenges has been significant. His commitment and love of the Club during his time with SUFC cannot be underestimated, and we thank him for everything he has done for the Students.
Michael commented on his time at the Club “From the first day I moved into college, SUFC has been a significant part of my life. Many of the people I’ve played with and met throughout my time here, will be friends and family for life. I was so fortunate to be given an opportunity to return to the Club as a coach. Coming back to SUFC allowed me to further develop my career, but also strengthened the many relationships I’ve made. I want to thank the entire SUFC community for their support over the years, and I look forward cheering on the Students from Texas!”
Michael will take with him a wealth of rugby experience as a professional player and a coach. He will be sorely missed by everyone at the Club, but we wish him all the best for this exciting new chapter! We look forward to following Michael’s career and the Jackals in 2022 and beyond.
Dallas Jackals announcement- https://www.dallasjackals.com/news/michael-hodge-joins-jackals-as-head-coach/