Stuart Hogg in talks with Gallagher Premiership club

Former Scotland captain and Lions star Stuart Hogg has spoken to Newcastle Falcons just a season after sensationally quitting Premiership rivals Exeter Chiefs.

Hogg, 31, who has been blighted by legal and personal problems since walking away from the sport at the end of last season was spotted in the North-East this week where we understand he spoke to the Falcons about a potential deal.

Scotland’s all-time leading try scorer faces trial in July after pleading not guilty to a domestic charge of acting in an abusive manner towards the mother of his four children.

RugbyPass understands that nothing has been agreed and it would appear that a move is unlikely to happen at this stage, but the door has been left open for further talks to take place later in the summer.

Hogg, who helped the Chiefs win a Premiership and European Cup double in 2020, recently admitted in an Instagram post that he has spent time in rehab learning about himself and talking about how he feels without being judged.

The dramatic news of his visit to Newcastle comes just a couple of weeks after he would consider a run-out with home town Hawick in the Border League but didn’t think a return to the professional game was on the cards.

"I think I’ll play [but] I don’t think I’ll play professionally. I might have a little run-out for Hawick next season and see how that goes. I’m really enjoying my new life.

“I still get the match-day buzz – the build-up to the game, the warm-up and stuff. I used to love it, and I’ve had that forever. Will I play professionally again? Probably not,” said Hogg, which could have sparked the Falcons into sounding him out.

Hogg has earned 100 caps for Scotland after making his debut in 2012 and two for the British & Irish Lions.