Jamin Hodgkins Signs For Team In Australia
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian fly-half Jamin Hodgkins is set to begin the next chapter of his rugby union career after signing with Manly Marlins before the upcoming Shute Shield season in Sydney, Australia.
The 23-year-old, who most recently represented the Pacific Pride Academy in the British Columbia Men’s Premier League, will head to Australia this month before the start of Manly’s campaign in April.
The Shute Shield is the premier club competition in New South Wales, and Hodgkins hopes a strong season can strengthen his bid to return to the Canada setup before the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia.
“I was back home in Bermuda preparing to return to British Columbia when Manly called and said they wanted to add to their number 10s,” Hodgkins told Bernews.
“It’s a great opportunity. The Shute Shield is renowned as one of the best semi-professional leagues.
“There will be guys playing from Super Rugby [Australia’s top competition] who aren’t getting minutes.”
Hodgkins said the move aligns with his longer-term international ambitions.
“The goal in the next year or two is to get back into the Canada squads and make the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
“Being in Australia where the World Cup will be will help – I’ll be familiar with the area.”
He added that his focus is on development rather than immediate selection pressure.
“I’m going down with the intention of not putting too much pressure on myself,” Hodgkins said.
“I want to enjoy my rugby, enjoy myself, and work on all the things I need to work on.”
“Hopefully, [Canada] selections will come from that. I’m taking it step by step, and if I do all the right things, hopefully it will all fall into place.”
“I want to work on things in a different environment to what I’m used to.”
A former Bermuda Under-19 international and Warwick Academy student, Hodgkins has previously played club rugby in the United Kingdom, featuring for Luctonians First XV in England and Bridgend and Glamorgan Wanderers in Wales.
