Ex-All Black turned Wallaby retires as Reds announce four departures

Former All Black turned Wallaby Alex Hodgman has retired from professional rugby union, with the Queensland Reds farewelling the dual international and three other players after the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Queensland Rugby Union has thanked Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest, Max Craig and Hodgman for their commitment to the Reds. In this announcement, the Reds revealed Hodgman and lock-backrower Vest had decided to call time on their lengthy careers.

Hodgman has returned to Auckland, New Zealand, after spending two seasons in the Sunshine State with the Reds. The front-rower made 17 appearances for the Queensland club, leading to Wallabies honours with a debut against Georgia in July 2024.

Only five men have represented both the All Blacks and Wallabies, with Reds prop Aidan Ross becoming the latest player to join that exclusive club in Australia’s 19-15 win over Japan at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Saturday.

“For me, setting up my family has always been the most important thing. I wanted to taste something different in Queensland and we definitely did that with a good experience,” Hodgman, Reds player #1396, said in a statement.

“Ultimately, NZ is my home. I had a lot of fun playing footy. You know when it’s time to finish up.”

“Sef, Alex, ‘Vesty’ and Max have all made important contributions to the Reds during my time at the club. They depart with our wishes for success in the future,” Reds coach Les Kiss added.

At 27 years of age, Vest played his first of 32 matches for the Reds in 2022. The utility forward described the chance to play for Queensland as a “dream” that “took a very long time to achieve” – including an appearance against the British & Irish Lions in July.

Craig, 22, is still focused on a career in professional rugby. The hooker overcame a broken ankle to play for the Reds against Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights last weekend, concluding an “interesting ride the past two years.”

Then there’s Fa’agase, who played 92 matches for the Reds across two stints. The prop started in 12 of 13 appearances during this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season, including the Qualifying Final away to eventual champions the Crusaders in Christchurch.

“To play one game for the Reds was huge. To play 92 is something of a dream because the Reds was the first rep side I ever made,” Fa’agase reflected.

“The most pleasing thing for me is to see where I was as a kid from Shailer Park to where I am now, on and off the field. This second stage at the Reds (2022-25) has been the favourite part of my career.

“I’ve got real enjoyment and pride seeing young props and hookers come in and grow as much as they have just in one year.

“Hopefully, I’ve helped in that process because I’ve always had a love of the Reds jersey and want to see Queensland rugby keep doing well.”