Hodson signs up for London Welsh

RUGBY

HILLINGDON-BORN Josh Hodson has signed for London Welsh, ahead of the new Championship season, writes Hayley Fox.

The ex-Wales Under 18 international (pictured) previously played for Llandovery RFC but his season was restricted to just three appearances and a debut try after he was injured in a car accident.

Making a full recovery, Hodson returned to the Elite 7s scene and trained with Wales Under 20s and is now ready to make his mark at London Welsh.

Hodson, 19, trained with London Welsh for a few months last season, after being recommended by Iestyn Thomas, his coach at Llandovery College, who he played under for two years.

London Welsh director of rugby Steve Lewis said: “He is big, powerful and quick and we saw enough in him to realise that there was substantial untapped talent.”

Coached by former London Welsh full back Gareth James at St John’s School, in Norwood, Hodson moved to Watford Grammar School for boys where he was introduced to the Welsh Exiles, earning him a scholarship at Llandovery College.

Following his success at Llandovery College and playing for Newport Gwent Dragons, Hodson, whose grandfather comes from Bangor, was invited to train with the Wales Development 7s.

Hodson also represented The Welsh Charitables in the GB 7s and at Gemau Cymru, an event for young Welsh athletes, which they won.

This victory led to a contract with Llandovery RFC, after also representing Wales U18s in South Africa, prior to starting his studies at The University of South Wales.