Fullback Hodge Added To Wallabies Squad
The Wallabies have confirmed Australia A fullback Reece Hodge has been added to the squad for the rest of the England series.
This comes after an injury to Tom Banks, breaking his arm in the 30-28 victory on Saturday.
With Banks expected to be on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, the experienced Rebel has made the trip from Fiji to join the squad in Brisbane.
“Reece Hodge has been called in the squad,” the Wallabies said in a statement via social media.
“Tom Banks has successful surgery on his broken arm.”
Hodge was a shock omission from the Wallabies squad, instead named vice-captain of Australia A as part of the Pacific Nations Cup.
“It’s tough on Hodgey because he’s such a good man,” coach Dave Rennie said on his omission last month.
Reece Hodge
“He’s as professional as you get. He’s a guy who even regardless of how he plays for the Rebels, he puts on a Wallabies jersey and always fronts, regardless of what position you play him.
“He had a pretty scratchy start to the season. To be fair, his form’s been mixed, we know what he brings. He’ll get a chance to go into the (Australia) A program and get a bit more footy under the belt and keep putting the pressure on.
“He covers so many spots that he’s likely to force his way in at some stage in some position.”
As a result, Queensland Reds flyhalf Lawson Creighton has been added to the Australia A squad after his breakout season.
Creighton was named Reds’ Rookie of the Year after stepping into the starting side with James O’Connor dealing with injury during the second half of the season.
He joins brother Hudson in the squad, with the pair late inclusions alongside the likes of Rebels scrumhalf James Tuttle and Waratahs pair Archer Holz and Hugh Sinclair.
Australai A meet hosts Flying Fijians at 3.30pm at Lautoka’s Churchill Park on Saturday for the Pacific Nations Cup championship.
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