Bitter pill for Stuart Hogg after star turn for Montpellier

Montpellier full-back Stuart Hogg is set to miss five weeks of action following a right-hand fracture sustained during Saturday’s Top 14 clash against Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle.

Hogg (32) played a prominent role in the opening stages of the match at GGL Stadium and was instrumental in what was only Montpellier's third win of the season.

Hogg's contributions with the boot were a key factor in Montpellier’s dominance over La Rochelle, as the hosts shut out there guests in a 16-0 win. Hogg's canny boot allowed his team to keep La Rochelle pinned down and despite the injury to his hand the former Glasgow Warrior and Exeter Chiefs star managed to play 69 minutes before eventually being substituted by Thomas Vincent.

The win has come at cost to Hogg though.

Reports from RMC in France confirm that Hogg underwent surgery for the fracture on Monday. His recovery period is expected to extend over the next five weeks.

In a small mercy, his absence coincides with a two-week break in the Top 14 calendar between the 9th and 10th rounds, allowing him extra time to recuperate without actually missing much game time.

The Scotland centurion joined Montpellier this season and has quickly established himself as a central figure in the team’s backline.

Indeed Hogg has stepped in at fly-half for his new side in recent weeks.

While the timeline for his return remains tentative, the break in the competition offers a window for recovery that could reduce the number of matches missed.

The latest injury comes amid a fraught period off the pitch for Hogg, who has been facing legal issues back in Scotland.

Earlier this year he appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court after again being arrested for allegedly breaching bail conditions related to charges of domestic abuse involving his estranged wife. The father of four has denied charges of stalking and controlling behaviour over a seven-year period.

Hogg retired from rugby last summer before signing a two-year contract with Bernard Laporte's Montpellier. He is set to stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court later this year.