Career
He played club rugby for London Welsh and Newport Reconstruction Finance Corporation. Hodges, along with fellow Welsh internationals George Boots, and later George Travers is recognised with adopting forward formation play in scrums and line outs. Although forwards were responsible for these areas of play there was little defined tactics or specialisation before the early twentieth century. Hodges helped bring tactical formations and therefore a level of specialisation to forward play.
He was described as a hard working and an excellent all-round player who could fill in at most positions, even on the wing.
Wales
Hodges made his debut for Wales against England in 1899, after only his second season playing for Newport. The later included a full on fist fight between the packs.
One of Hodges most impressive moments in a Welsh shirt was in the 1903 match against England. Welsh winger Tom Pearson had taken a heavy blow to the ribs by England"s notoriously heavy tackler Gamlin, and was forced to retire.
Hodges showed his famous adaptability when moved to the wing to cover Pearson"s position and scored three tries in a 21-5 victory for the Welsh.
International games played
Wales
England 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906
Ireland 1899, 1900, 1902, 1903, 1905, 1906
New Zealand 1905
Scotland 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906
After leaving club rugby Hodges became a publican, first at the Salvation Hotel in Newport and then at the Park Hotel, Waunlwyd. Hodges died on September 13, 1930, his body was returned to his birth town of Risca where he was buried on September 17 at Cromwell Road cemetery. His coffin was borne by former Welsh internationals.