ARU axe affecting players’ mindset

FORMER Wallaby Matt Hodgson says the mental health of Western Force players has been severely affected by the ARU’s decision to axe the Super Rugby franchise.

The Force will find out next week whether they will get the chance to appeal the ARU’s decision in the NSW Supreme Court.

In the meantime, Force players are caught in limbo – not knowing where they will be playing their rugby next season, and dealing with the fact their beloved club is on the verge of extinction.

The Force’s axing last Friday was the latest chapter in a saga that has dragged on since the start of this year.

Hodgson is a qualified mental health first aid officer, and has been counselling his teammates throughout the year.

His efforts have ramped up over the past week to help players cope with the ARU’s decision to axe the franchise.

Hodgson said the mental health of players had been “drastically” affected.

“Since the decision came out, there’s probably been multiple nights where people look at the ceiling and try to plan their life in an unstable environment,” Hodgson said.

“People need to plan, but they want to fight for a good cause. That uncertainty really impacts on people’s stability.

“We’re lucky we’re all in this together.

“We rely on each other. Each of us goes through a down time at different times, but we’ve got that support network. And we just talk about it.

“We had a good players’ meeting on Monday saying we’re all united and we’re going to fight as a unit.”

Hodgson has been a rock for the player group throughout the whole saga. But even he has gone through some dark moments as the enormity of the situation has hit home.

“There’s definitely been some instances in the past couple of days where I’ve cracked and I’ve actually had to stop and refocus myself,” he said.

“There’s been nights where you don’t sleep. You’re just thinking about it. When you’ve got quiet time to yourself, that’s the hard times.

“So I’m trying to think about everyone and put them first. If I see them get a job, get through this, that’s what is most important for me. That’s what makes me feel better.”