Scottish rugby star Stuart Hogg announced on Monday that he would hang up his boots after the World Cup this fall in France (September 8-October 28), saying the physical demands of the sport have become too heavy for him. The full-back, who will turn 31 in June, picked up his 100th cap in the Six Nations Tournament against Ireland (losing 22-7 on March 12), but was injured and missed the final game against Italy .
“I don’t think my body can reach the standards that I’ve set for myself for a long time yet,” Hogg explained. “I always wanted to finish at the top of the game. After the World Cup, a new career is coming and I will attack it the same way I play this sport,” he added in a statement sent via Twitter. .
Best player of the VI Nations in 2016 and 2017
Hogg, who signed his first professional contract with the Glasgow Warriors in 2011, made his debut for Scotland the following year at the Six Nations Championship. He was named the competition’s best player in 2016 and 2017 and was also selected for a three-time British and Irish Lions tour (2013, 2017 and 2021). His 2017 tour was cut short by a broken face, but in 2021 he earned two caps with the Lions against South Africa.
His relationship with current Scotland manager Gregor Townsend has not been easy: after disciplinary issues he was dismissed as captain last October. The Melrose native enjoyed club success winning the Pro12 in 2015 with Glasgow and signing an Premiership-European Cup double with Exeter in 2020. This year’s World Cup in France will be his third s he participates in it.
“Rugby has allowed me to meet incredible people, make lifelong friends, travel the world and take part in incredible experiences that I will forever cherish,” Hogg said. “Knowing what lies ahead, I really want to play the best and most enjoyable rugby of my career, finishing the season on a high note with Exeter Chiefs before seizing the opportunity as a nation, in France,” he said.