Hogg announces immediate retirement

By Mark Stevens
9/7/23

Stuart Hogg has today brought the curtain down on his illustrious playing career by confirming he will not feature for Scotland at this summer’s Rugby World Cup in France.

The 31-year-old, who called time on his club career at the Exeter Chiefs at the end of last season, was intending to sign off his playing days with one final hurrah for his country.

However, Hogg - who joined the Chiefs from Glasgow Warriors in 2019 - had had to admit defeat in his quest to be fit for the tournament.

In a statement released by Hogg himself, he said: "I fought with everything I had to make the Rugby World Cup, but this time my body has not been able to do the things I wanted and needed it to do.

"It is difficult where to start, but with great sadness and an enormous amount of pride, I am announcing my immediate retirement from playing rugby. We knew this day would come eventually - I just never thought it would be this soon.

"It's hard to put into words just how much of an impact the game has had on my life. I will be retiring knowing that I have given my body and heart to rugby. I will be forever grateful to this amazing community and cannot wait to begin my journey as a proud supporter of the team.

Hogg won the Pro12 with the Warriors in 2015 and a Premiership and European Champions Cup double with the Chiefs in 2020.

He featured at the past two World Cups and was with the Lions for their Australia 2013, New Zealand 2017 and South Africa 2021 tours. All 171 of his Test points came in a Scotland jersey.

"He has been an outstanding player for Scotland and has had a career lit up with so many achievements, highlights and special memories," Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said. "I have had the pleasure of coaching Stuart for the majority of his career and he was a joy to work with and watch on the training field and in games. His basic skills and speed set him apart from other players and it has been an amazing effort to play Test rugby for the past 11 years.

"To reach 100 caps this year was fitting and just reward for a career that has seen him represent the British and Irish Lions and win trophies both domestically and at a European level. We respect his decision to step away now and understand the stresses and challenges his body has gone through in recent seasons."