Matt Hodgson
Captain Matt Hodgson is set to make his return to Super Rugby after being named in the Force’s 25-man travelling squad for its 2-match New Zealand tour.
Hodgson sustained a hamstring injury in the Force’s final pre-season fixture against the Asia Pacific Dragons, and has been unavailable through the 1st half of the competition.
The 33-year-old will resume the captaincy of the squad, coinciding with the news that interim captain Sam Wykes will be unable to travel with the team after succumbing to a foot injury suffered in Saturday night’s match against the Stormers.
Scrumhalf Alby Mathewson will also be sidelined after sustaining a knee injury against the Stormers. Mathewson’s absence provides the opportunity Ryan Louwrens to push for his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut after being named in the squad.
Openside flanker Kane Koteka, who was rested from last weekend’s match after suffering concussion against the Cheetahs a week ago, has also been selected in the squad.
The Force depart for New Zealand on Monday before taking on the Chiefs in Hamilton (Friday, 24 April) and the Blues in Auckland on Saturday, 2 May.
Western Force squad: Marcel Brache, Luke Burton, Nathan Charles, Adam Coleman, Angus Cottrell, Pekahou Cowan, Nick Cummins, Sias Ebersohn, Tetera Faulkner, Kyle Godwin, Dane Haylett-Petty, Ross Haylett-Petty, Chris Heiberg, Matt Hodgson (captain), Oliver Hoskins, Kane Koteka, Ryan Louwrens, Steve Mafi, Ben McCalman, Luke Morahan, Ian Prior, Solomoni Jnr Rasolea, Mitch Scott, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Heath Tessmann.