Jamie Hodgson: A new chapter for Edinburgh Rugby

• 1 Aug 2024
• Features

Jamie Hodgson has enjoyed a summer of significant change. The Edinburgh Rugby lock has not only graduated with an Economics degree after a seven-year journey at the University of Edinburgh, but he’s also preparing to tie the knot next summer – one of several weddings in the capital squad.

As the dust settles on a graduation ceremony held in perfect Edinburgh sunshine, Hodgson reflects on his academic achievement. “While it wasn’t easy, I am proud of what I have achieved and it is even better to have my degree finished and in the bag” he says with a sense of relief.

While the choice of Economics might seem unconventional for a professional athlete, Hodgson is pragmatic about his future. “There is lots of things that you can go into afterwards, however I have always been interested in the world of finance and thoroughly enjoy learning all about it” he explains.

With the academic chapter closed, the focus shifts to another significant life event: his wedding. While the planning has largely fallen to his fiancée, Lucy, and her mother, Hodgson admits to being “very excited” about the upcoming nuptials. The summer has been a whirlwind of celebrations for the Edinburgh squad, with multiple weddings on the horizon, including Charlie Sheil, Ben Vellacott and Dave Cherry.

However, amidst the personal milestones off the pitch, there’s a clear sense of determination to put last season’s frustrations behind him. An ankle injury disrupted Hodgson’s campaign, making it a “very stop start” year.

“When I was fit, I was enjoying every minute of the game and was starting to get a good run of games and play well before the end of the season,” he reflects. “However I can admit it was a very stop start season for myself, coupled with us being put out before the play-offs which was incredibly disappointing for all.”

Hodgson takes on the bronco fitness test at Hive Stadium

As one of the more experienced members of the squad at only 26, Hodgson is acutely aware of the changing dynamics within the team.

“I think the first day of pre season this year it felt like there was so many older guys missing and a huge crop of young players raring to go . But that’s probably just reflection of me getting into that older category,” he jokes.

The arrival of Ross Thompson and Magnus Bradbury has injected a fresh wave of excitement into the squad. Hodgson has a particular affinity with Thompson, having played alongside him during their school days at Stewart’s Melville College

“Ross is a brilliant player and he’s a really, really good guy as well,” he enthuses. “I taught him everything he knows!”

“We had a fantastic team at school that year as well, with Ross being our 10 he was definitely a stand out player.

“I bumped into Ross’s old man at the end of last year and I think he was more excited than anyone because he doesn’t have to travel through to Glasgow every week for games. So I can say for sure everyone is excited to have him here.”

The return of Bradbury is equally welcomed. “Magnus was such a massive miss when he left,” Hodgson says. “He’s not just a quality rugby player but he’s a great person to have around in the environment. He’s hilarious but at the same time he’s a respectable figure and a person that a lot of people look up to as well.”

All smiles for Hodgson in training

With a squad bolstered by the return of key players, Hodgson is optimistic about the season ahead. “For the team, it’s got to be us making playoffs, being a top four team as well,” he states.

“We want to have a home quarter-final because the frustrating thing with Edinburgh is every single year, you look at that squad on paper and it should be there every single year and it’s not been.”

Personally, Hodgson aims for increased game time and a potential return to the international stage. Putting last seasons injuries behind him “It’s frustrating. I felt I was in a good place again and going well, but then these things happen unfortunately.”

The competitive edge is also evident in Hodgson’s relationship with his fiancée’s brother, Tom Stewart, the Ulster hooker and Irish internationalist.

The ‘sibling rivalry’ adds an extra layer of intensity to their matches, with Hodgson coming out on top in last season’s impressive win in Belfast.

“It was good fun playing against him last year it’s been a long time coming,” Hodgson admits. “Emotions were definitely running high, with slightly more on the line for me playing at their home ground, so I was happy to get the win that day!

As Jamie Hodgson embarks on a new chapter in his life, both on and off the field, there’s a sense of optimism and determination. With a strong squad and personal ambitions, the Edinburgh lock is ready to make his mark in 2024/25.