NRL legend Brett Hodgson named Wallabies defence coach for Rugby World Cup

Eddie Jones has turned to the NRL in a bid to strengthen Australia’s defence seven months out from the Rugby World Cup.

Brett Hodgson is manhandled by Gorden Tallis during an Origin game.

Former NRL star Brett Hodgson has been appointed as the Wallabies defence coach effective immediately, joining Eddie Jones for the 2023 World Cup and beyond.

The Parramatta and Wests Tigers legend was in Jones’ box at the NSW Waratahs versus Brumbies match last Friday, prompting speculation he could be joining the new Wallabies coach.

That was confirmed on Monday afternoon, with Rugby Australia announcing Hodgson had signed a two-year deal, until the end of 2024, to take charge of the Wallabies’ defence.

Hodgson, 45, had been working as defence coach for England since last November, however Jones was sacked by the RFU, and then RA took the opportunity to sack Dave Rennie and give Jones the top job in Australia.

Since Jones took charge, he sacked Wallabies assistant coach Laurie Fisher, while fellow assistants Dan McKellar and Petrus du Plessis resigned last week, leaving the back room staff desolate.

Brett Hodgson is manhandled by Gorden Tallis during an Origin game.

Hodgson’s appointment is a much-needed addition to the team, with the World Cup in France just seven months away.

“I’m really excited to be back in Australia and working with the Wallabies, especially in a World Cup year,” Hodgson said.

“There’s plenty of hard work ahead and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running and making a positive contribution to the team.

“The Wallabies are a team everyone in Australia loves to get behind and from what I’ve seen so far there’s plenty of talent here and that’s something that’s really exciting.”

Jones said: “Brett’s a hardworking and detailed young coach who will be a great asset to the Wallabies and the coaching staff.

Brett Hodgson played a key role in Wests Tigers maiden premiership.

“He’s worked under some great coaching mentors like Gus Gould and Tim Sheens in his time as a player and a coach, so he’s well-schooled and I know he’ll give his best to the job of producing best defence in world.”

Hodgson played more than 350 first grade games in NRL and English Super League, as well as representing NSW in State of Origin, featuring in a much replayed highlight moment reel when he was dragged across the field and over the sideline by Queensland enforcer Gordon Tallis.

Following retirement as a player, he began his coaching career in 2012 as a kicking consultant with Sale Sharks in the English Premiership before becoming an assistant with Hull FC in the Super League.

He moved back to Australia to take up a role with his former club, Wests Tigers in 2018, returning to the UK as head coach of Hull FC at the end of 2020.