Hogg gave up a certain alcoholic beverage and lost 9kg

Stuart Hogg has been one of the most consistent performers in recent six nations memory, touring New Zealand this summer with Warren Gatland's Lions side.

However, in an interview with the Telegraph, Hogg reveals that this summer was also a time when his weight was becoming an issue due to his fondness for a pint of the black stuff.

Hogg says that giving up his 'guilty pleasure' helped him shed 20 pounds (9kg) and has given an extra dimension to his game.

Hogg was an usher at Duncan Weir's wedding and this is where the cold hard reality set in, that he needed to lose a few pounds and give up his precious Guinness.

"I was sick of seeing photos of how fat I was getting, so I decided to shed a few pounds. It was mainly after the summer."

"I knew I was getting a shoulder op and I had the potential to balloon."

"I actually took the decision at Duncie Weir’s wedding in July, where I was an usher, and I was struggling to get the jacket shut from the measurements taken six months earlier."

"It’s made a difference in terms of how I look and how I play but also in terms of life in general, which makes it sound like I’ve been in rehab!"

"I lost about nine kilos and then managed to put a couple back on when the shoulder was building back up again."

"I was quick last year but now it’s roughly similar scores but more consistent and I feel I can go for longer as well."

"I’m never going to be a guy who can run over the top of people so I need to be in a position where I can go around them or step them."

"I also did a lot of speedwork when I was injured and hopefully that will help."

Hogg was never short of pace, so you'd have to imagine shedding 9kg should do him a few favours during the upcoming November series.