Josh Hodge signs for Newcastle Redbulls for 2026/27 season

Exeter Chiefs full-back Josh Hodge has agreed a return to Newcastle Redbulls for the 2026/27 season.

Hodge was previously a Newcastle player having come through the ranks of their senior academy before signing for Chiefs in June 2020. In the past five years, the back has made 87 appearances in all competitions for Chiefs, scoring 29 tries and kicking 151 points.

Hodge said: “I’ve had a great few years with Chiefs but now I’m heading back up north to where my rugby career began.

“I can’t thank the club and fans enough for everything they have done during my time in Exeter. The support has been incredible. It’s an exciting time for the club and I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of the season unfold in the new year.”

Born in Lancaster, Hodge attended the well-known Sedbergh School while also collecting age-grade honours for England U18 and U19 while a part of the Newcastle academy.

The 25-year-old was also a standout in England U20 campaigns before making a try-scoring debut for Newcastle in a Championship match-up against Leeds Carnegie.

Since debuting for Chiefs against Bristol Bears in August 2020, Hodge has often brought flair to the full-back position and many supporters won’t forget his caring run through the Saracens defence to score a leaping try at Sandy Park on the opening day of the 2023/24 season.

Hodge will complete this season with Chiefs before moving to the Gallagher PREM rivals in the summer of 2026.