Newcastle Red Bulls have secured the return of England A full-back Josh Hodge from Exeter Chiefs, signing the 25-year-old on a three-year contract. Hodge, who left Newcastle five years ago, says he has “unfinished business” at the club and is eager to make an impact in the coming seasons.

---

Hodge: “Excited to Return Home”

Speaking to the club’s official website, Hodge said:

“I’m really looking forward to returning to Newcastle Red Bulls. There is a lot of unfinished business for me here, and with Red Bull coming in it’s exciting times for the club. I can’t wait to see what we can do over the next three seasons. The north is my home, and the Newcastle supporters are incredible.”

Hodge, a former England Under-20 international, has scored 29 tries in 89 appearances for Exeter Chiefs. His return to Newcastle represents a boost for a Red Bulls squad struggling this season, having lost all eight of their Premiership matches so far.

---

A Statement on Homegrown Talent

Newcastle’s sporting general manager Neil McIlroy hailed Hodge’s signing as a signal of the club’s commitment to nurturing academy talent:

“There’s understandable frustration around the number of players who have developed in Newcastle’s academy but moved away to fulfil their ambitions. We want the Josh Hodges of the future to feel they can succeed here. He is a quality English player who will significantly strengthen our squad. At full-back or wing, he has pace to burn and a fantastic kicking game.”

This follows last week’s high-profile acquisition of All Blacks number eight Hoskins Sotutu, underlining Newcastle’s ambitions for the coming seasons.

---

Looking Ahead

Hodge will bring experience and attacking flair to a Red Bulls side hoping to turn around a tough start to the 2025–26 Premiership season. Newcastle also earned their first losing bonus point in a 36-27 defeat to Bristol last weekend, hinting at potential improvements to come.