Jamin Hodgkins On Canada Hopes And More
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian rugby player Jamin Hodgkins says he is looking to explore options of playing in Major League Rugby [MLR] in North America or Europe after leaving Welsh outfit Bridgend Ravens.
Hodgkins, 22, made ten appearances, scoring 75 points, for Bridgend, who finished ninth in the Welsh Indigo Premiership this season.
The former Bermuda Under-19 fly-off joined Bridgend in January after impressing at second-tier Glamorgan Wanderers.
“I had to decide earlier this month whether to stay at Bridgend, but because I was graduating [from Cardiff Metropolitan University], I didn’t really know what I was doing,” Hodgkins told Bernews.
“I couldn’t give them the answer they needed, so I decided it was best to part ways. I don’t know what next season holds yet.”
Although Hodgkins admits he was “thrown in the deep end” at Bridgend, he believes he transitioned well to the extra physical and technical demands.
“The club had no numbers 10s when I joined because they were all injured,” said Hodgkins, the son of Keith Hodgkins, a well-known figure in local rugby.
“It was a step up, and there were times I felt uncomfortable, but I transitioned pretty well.
“I’m thankful to Bridgend for calling me up. I learned plenty because playing in the Premiership exposes your weaknesses.
“They took a gamble on a young Bermudian, and it’s put me in good stead.
“I’m a free agent and want to play professionally next season. Hopefully, something can pop up this summer. I’m open to all options.”
Hodgkins joins up with the Canada senior national team this summer for a training camp in Langford, Vancouver Island, and will push for a call-up for matches against Scotland and Romania in July.
The former Warwick Academy student also hopes to be involved in the Pacific Nations Cup in August and September, with Canada grouped in pool B with Japan and the United States.
His ultimate ambition is to represent Canada at the World Cup in Australia in 2027.
“I’m going to get my head down, work hard, and hope I’m lucky enough to be involved in these upcoming matches,” said Hodgkins, who is yet to make his senior debut.
“I travelled to Spain in October [last year] for the La Vila International Rugby Cup [in Villajoyosa] but didn’t feature in any games.
“My dream is to make the next World Cup, although I need to win my first cap first!”
