Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg announces immediate retirement

Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has announced his retirement with immediate effect.

Hogg was originally set to retire at the end of the Rugby World Cup scheduled in France this year but now has taken the decision considering the physical strain on the body.

“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,” Hogg said in a statement.

“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.”

The 31-year-old is already Scotland's record try-scorer and recently earned his 100th Test cap for the Dark Blues after making his international debut in 2012.

He was part of Scotland's campaigns in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup and now is eyeing to make his third showpiece event appearance.

Hogg was appointed the Scotland captain during the 2020 Six Nations but was replaced by Jamie Ritchie last year. Hogg also represented British and Irish Lions during the tours of 2013, 2017 and 2021.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said Hogg's decision has to be respected and wished him good luck on his future endeavours.

“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," he said.

“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.”