Stuart Hogg retires with 'immediate effect'

In a major blow for Scotland's Rugby World Cup campaign, Stuart Hogg has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.

Hogg has revealed that his body is simply not up to the task despite his best efforts.

The 31-year-old reached 100 caps this year, made history as Scotland's record try scorer with 25 tries.

Hogg's Scotland career began in 2012, and he captained the team to notable victories over England and France.

In his club career, he achieved success with the Glasgow Warriors, winning the PRO12 in 2015, and with the Exeter Chiefs, winning the European Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership in 2020.

Hogg's outstanding performances also earned him three call-ups to the British & Irish Lions tours in 2013, 2017, and 2021, starting two Tests on the latest tour to South Africa.

After reflecting on his decision to retire, Hogg has chosen to conclude his career earlier than anticipated due to the physical toll it has taken on his body.

In his retirement announcement Stuart Hogg said: “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.

“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. 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.”

Gregor Townsend said: “Following Stuart’s news we would like to wish him all the best in his retirement. He has been an outstanding player for Scotland and has had a career lit up with so many achievements, highlights and special memories.

“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. He had a love for so many aspects of the game, and not only got joy from taking on defenders with ball in hand but also putting his teammates into space. 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 & 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. He has been an integral part of our squad for many years, as well as captaining the side to famous victories over England and France in 2021, and we all wish him well in his career post rugby. We look forward to welcoming him back to support us from the stands.”

Mark Dodson, CEO of Scottish Rugby said: “I’d like to thank Stuart for his immense contribution to rugby in Scotland so far. He has truly been a superstar for our game and along the way set records and reached milestones which his talent and application richly deserved.

“There have been numerous highlights during his club and international career and few players had the ability to ignite a crowd like Hoggy. Naturally we have all seen him develop as a player and a person over the course of his career and I know how proud Hoggy has been to represent Scotland throughout his 100 caps and when captain of his country.

“Like all fans we will miss him as a player and wish him all the very best with the next chapter of his life.”