England A star with ‘pace to burn’ to return to Newcastle as exit from PREM rivals confirmed
England A star with 'pace to burn' to return to Newcastle as exit from PREM rivals confirmed
Josh Hodge is set to join the Newcastle Red Bulls in the summer of 2026 after signing a three-year deal with his former club.
The Exeter Chiefs and England A star is set to be a part of the Red Bulls’ ambitious plans moving forward, as he joins a whole host of players joining the financially flush club in the summer.
The elusive full-back was a graduate of Newcastle’s academy, but left to join Exeter five years ago. Since then, he has scored 29 tries in 89 appearances for the Devon-based side.
Hodge is looking forward to returning to Tyneside, saying: “There is a lot of unfinished business for me in Newcastle, and with Red Bull coming in, it’s exciting times for the club. I can’t wait to see what we can do over the next three seasons.
“I knew that if I got the opportunity to go back to Newcastle, where it all started for me as a professional rugby player, it would be hard to turn it down.
“And for the fans, I cannot wait to be back playing in front of the northern crowd. The north is my home, and the Newcastle supporters are incredible.”
“Important for a number of reasons”
Newcastle Red Bulls’ sporting general manager Neil McIlroy expressed the importance of Hodge’s re-signing, saying: “Bringing Josh back to Newcastle is an important move for a number of reasons.
“Firstly, he is a quality English player who will significantly strengthen our squad, and anyone who watches Gallagher PREM rugby will be aware what a huge talent he is.
“At full-back or wing, he has pace to burn and a fantastic kicking game, but in addition to that, there is a wider statement about us wanting this to be a club where English talent can prosper.
“There’s understandable frustration around the number of players who have developed in Newcastle’s academy, but who have moved away to fulfil their ambitions. We are committed to Newcastle Red Bulls being a club where homegrown talent can flourish, so that the Josh Hodges of the future will not feel the need to go elsewhere.”
Fans reaction
Newcastle supporters appear thrilled by the announcement. One fan said: “If he gets consistent game time, he’s a weapon. Good signing for Newcastle. He’s stupidly quick and great at cutting a line.”
Others expressed their approval at the intelligent signing.
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“Great pickup for Newcastle,” a supporter said. “It was such a shame when he left them all those years back – at u20 level he looked like he could be a world beater. He’s not lived up to that level yet in the senior game but he’s a more than solid prem level fullback and one hell of a runner with the ball. Another goal-kicking option outside of the halves is nice too. A great signing all round. Smart business from Red Bulls to bring back a former academy player as they’ll get the academy and EPQ credits for it.”
Another added: “This is a really smart signing, christ our back three if we keep Hearle is looking quality next season like. Going back in for former academy prospects is a brilliant idea. We’re building something great here with these signings, some renewals and some beefy fuckers for the front row and we’re in business.”