Dual-international Alex Hodgman has announced his retirement from professional Rugby.
It comes as the Queensland Reds announce the departure of the All Black and Wallaby, along with Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest and Max Craig.
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Hodgman moved to the Reds in 2024 and found himself becoming the fourth-ever former All Black player to pull on the gold and black jersey after debuting for the Wallabies against Georgia.
It followed a decorated career in New Zealand, including stints with the Crusaders and Blues and four appearances for the All Blacks.
"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," said Hodgman.
"Ultimately, NZ is my home. I had a lot of fun playing footy. You know when it's time to finish up."
Lock Vest joins Hodgman in retirement, grinding his way into the Reds system as a 27-year-old in 2022 before playing 32 times in the maroon jersey.
"My dream took a very long time to achieve. My feelings are of gratitude and enjoyment to be one of those few people who get to run out on a footy field as a professional player," Vest said.
"To have a person of the stature of (former coach) Brad Thorn be one of the first to really recognise my ability to play and tell me to back myself is something I'm proud of."
Meanwhile, Fa’agase will continue his playing career elsewhere after a decorated career with the Reds across two stints that stretch back to 2015, playing 92 games for the club, including 12 starts in 2025.
"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 said.
"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."
Craig rounds out the list, making his Super Rugby Pacific debut against the Fijian Drua in May.
“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 Head Coach Les Kiss added.
