Dave Hodges (rugby union)

David Hodges (born September 15, 1968) is an American former professional rugby union player and coach. As a player, he predominantly played in the back row, either as a flanker or as a number 8, but he also played as a lock on occasion. He spent his entire professional career in Wales from 1997 to 2004, mainly with Llanelli RFC and the Llanelli Scarlets, although he spent one season with Bridgend in 1999–2000. He earned 54 caps for the United States national team between 1996 and 2004, including 28 as captain, a record that stood until 2013.^[1] He retired from professional rugby in January 2005 after tearing a pectoral muscle in his final appearance.

David Hodges

Date of birth	(1968-09-15) September 15, 1968 (age 56)
Place of birth	Long Beach, California, United States
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight	245 lb (111 kg; 17.5 st)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker Number 8 Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1990–1991 Occidental College () 1995–1997 Old Mission Beach Athletic Club () Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 1997–1999 Llanelli 55 (45) 1999–2000 Bridgend () 2000–2004 Llanelli 73 (35) 2003–2004 Llanelli Scarlets 22 (5) International career Years Team Apps (Points) 1996–2004 United States 54 (20) Coaching career Years Team 2005–2006 United States (assistant) 2007–2009 Denver Barbarians 2009–2012 United States (assistant)

He was an assistant coach of the United States national team.^[2] Hodges also played and coached American football at the collegiate level.

High school and collegiate years

Hodges played American football at Long Beach Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, as a linebacker.^[3] It was during this period that he saw his first rugby match as Belmont Shore Rugby Club practiced and played their matches on the same field as the high school football team.^[4]

Hodges attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, and played football throughout his time there, receiving accolades in each of his four collegiate seasons. He was named a Kodak All-American football player, an award given annually to the best American college football players at their respective positions.^{[citation needed]}

Hodges began playing rugby at 18 as a freshman at Occidental College. Within two years, he was named as a Collegiate All-American in 1990 and 1991.^[5]

Professional rugby career

Hodges played professional rugby with Llanelli RFC from 1997–1999 and 2000–2005. Hodges played for Bridgend RFC in 1999–2000. He was named Llanelli's player of the season in 2001–02. He was also the strength coach for the Llanelli Scarlets from 2001 to 2004.^[6]

In 2009, Hodges was named Player of the Decade (2000–2009) by Rugby Magazine.^[7][8]

International rugby career

Hodges was capped 54 times by the United States national rugby union team at lock, flanker and at number eight. He made his debut as a substitute against Uruguay in 1996 at Fletcher's Fields in Markham, Ontario, Canada.

Hodges was the U.S. national team captain 27 times from 2000 to 2003. Hodges won the USA Rugby Athlete of the Year in 2005.

A match between the United States and France on July 3, 2004, marked the final game that Hodges represented the United States as a player. After nine years of service to the Eagles, Hodges explained his decision to retire. "I think now is the right time. I'm still playing at a high level and I think I wanted to be a part of the team, as long as I was selected, and of the transition . . . We’re building for the next World Cup and so the more I stay around, that’s one less guy in the XV that coach has experience for the next World Cup."^[9]

Honors

Rugby union

• 1990, 1991 All-American Collegiate XV
• 1995–1997 Member of 1996 National Championship team OMBAC
• 2000-2003 USA NATIONAL TEAM CAPTAIN 27 Times
• 2001–2002 Llanelli Scarlets Player of the Year
• 1996–2004 USA NATIONAL TEAM 54 Times
• 2009 USA Rugby Union Player of the Decade (Rugby Magazine)

American football

• 1986–89 All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athlete Conference Team
• 1989 MVP All Southern California Intercollegiate Athlete Conference
• 1989 Kodak All American