Hodges - versatile forward. (Getty Images)
DAVE HODGES
Born: 15.09.68
Position: Flanker/Number Eight/Lock
Club: Llanelli
One of the USA's most high-profile players, Hodges is the side's skipper and a versatile forward who can play either at flanker, number eight or even lock if required.
A former college star at both rugby and American football, he was a professional gridiron player with the Hamburg Blue Devils, but a couple of years later was making his debut for the USA in their rugby international against Uruguay.
He played in the 1999 Rugby World Cup despite suffering from cracked ribs, and has been playing professionally in Wales since 1997 with Llanelli, apart from a season at Bridgend, making over 100 appearances for the Scarlets.
Hodges scored the first try to set the Eagles on their way to the victory over Spain which secured them the final spot in this year's Rugby World Cup.
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