The Western Force's Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010 - backrower Matt Hodgson - has become a permanent fixture in the Australian Wallabies squad leading up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The former Australian Sevens captain first won official Wallabies selection on the 2009 end-of-season tour and his excellent form in the northern hemisphere ensured his retention in the first two Wallabies squads chosen in 2010.
Hodgson had made his debut in Wallaby gold early in 2009 against the Barbarians in Sydney only to trudge off the field midway through the first half with a shoulder injury.
With four Test caps to his credit following international appearances against England, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand in 2010, the foundation Force player has become a key asset in coach Robbie Deans' build-up for next year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
A former NSW Waratahs squad member, Hodgson's great 2009 form earned him a contract extension at the Western Force through to the end of season 2011.