Josh Hodge: Newcastle re-sign England A full-back from Exeter

Hodge, a former England Under-20 international, has scored 29 tries in his 89 appearances for the Chiefs.

As a product of the Newcastle academy, Hodge’s homecoming represents a turning of the tide of recent seasons, with the club’s sporting general manager Neil McIlroy keen to see the deal as a statement to their emerging talent.

“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,” McIlroy said.

“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.

“He is a quality English player who will significantly strengthen our squad and anyone who watches 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.”

Newcastle have lost all eight of their Prem matches this season but picked up their first losing bonus point in the 36-27 away defeat by Bristol on Saturday.