Latest twist has emerged in the Stuart Hogg return-to-play saga
Another twist has emerged in the saga that is Stuart Hogg and his rugby retirement, this time linking him to a playing comeback in France just weeks after RugbyPass suggested that Newcastle were interested in the soon-to-be 32-year-old former Scotland full-back, something the Falcons denied was the case.
It was last July when he brought forward his planned retirement by three months, claiming that he didn’t have it in him to play for his country at the Rugby World Cup due to injury having announced earlier in the year that he was quitting and wouldn’t be seeking a 2023/24 contract extension at Exeter.
Hogg soon re-emerged as a TV rugby pundit, linking up with TNT Sports, but he has been absent from the screen in recent times following some well-documented upheaval in his personal life.
It was May 17 when RugbyPass reported that Hogg, Scotland’s all-time record try-scorer and a 2019/20 double-winner with the Chiefs, 'had been spotted in Newcastle' where he spoke about a potential retirement-ending deal.
The Falcons denied that any such meeting ever took place and that recruiting the former full-back was a total non-runner.
It has now emerged that Hogg’s comeback could happen in France as a media report has linked him with Montpellier, the Top 14 strugglers who face a relegation/promotion play-off to guarantee their spot in next season’s top-flight.
A Midi Olympique report read: “If Montpellier is not yet assured of its presence in the Top 14 next season, the club remains on the offensive on the market.
"According to our information, it could make one of the most striking and daring recruitments of the season after offering a contract to Scottish star Stuart Hogg.
“The MHR is in advanced contact with Hogg, the Scottish star with 100 caps who has been retired from the field for a year.
"The talented No15, voted best player of the Six Nations in 2016 and 2017, had decided to hang up his boots in the middle of the preparation for the World Cup last July, saying he was "exhausted, physically and emotionally".
“His post-rugby period has blackened the columns of a few tabloids across the Channel, between marital disputes and online harassment. With this page turned, the hypothetical return of Stuart Hogg to the pitch took over as a topical topic during the spring...
"The Montpellier challenge is about to change the game. The MHR directors sniffed out a market opportunity like few others when they were looking for a professional full-back to compensate for the long-term absence of Anthony Bouthier.
"He was the victim of a ruptured cruciate ligament in a knee at the beginning of May. Stuart Hogg would sign as a medical joker with the 2022 France champion."
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HAHAHAHA typical.. there is no where near 90% of the top players in Europe Nick. Those playing in Brazil and Argentina still are probably better that 90% of the none top 5 european leagues.
Even just because these australians are in Europe, does not make them better than those at home. And that goes for nearly all the nations with heavy representation in europe.
What you're trying to say is europe is were 90% of the money in football is, that would get your point across better.
Go to commentsScott Robertson wants his men to push through and sight their targets to help minimise errors from rushed and frustrating brain explosions.
This test match will highlight if the entire coaching staff can select from the All Blacks sqaud, a team capable of producing the necessary and silencing their critics.
Go the All Blacks...looking to have the rub of green again vs Ireland... onwards and upwards.
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