Wallabies' Hodge heading to French club post World Cup

He featured in all but one of last year's Rugby Championship matches and started at inside centre against Wales in axed coach Dave Rennie's last game in charge.

Due to his versatility Hodge is expected to play a role in Australia's World Cup campaign later this year in France under new coach Eddie Jones.

Bayonne club president Philippe Tayeb said 28-year-old Hodge was a world-class player.

"He comes to expand our squad," Tayeb told French television Canal+. 

"He is a world-class player and he comes above all for his versatility and to support and grow our project and the young people of our club."

His former Rebels teammate Michael Ruru is also at the French club.