Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has revealed that his retirement from rugby was an attempt to save his marriage, a decision he now considers the “biggest mistake of his life”.
Hogg, who ended his career in 2023 at the age of 31, shortly before the World Cup of that same year, resumed playing in 2024 by signing for the French club Montpellier, after a turbulent period outside of the sport.
In November 2024, the British and Irish Lions player admitted to having abused his wife, Gillian, and was sentenced to a five-year non-harassment order and fined for breaching bail by repeatedly contacting his ex-partner.
Hogg, speaking about his return to the sport, explained: I gave up my rugby career to try and save my marriage. At that moment, I didn’t know who I was. He continued explaining his personal situation:I missed the excitement, the outfits, the jokes. I missed rugby more than I ever imagined.
Stuart Hogg
The Doddie Aid charity cycle from Scotland to Rome changed its perspective.I was up to my eyebrows in antidepressants. I didn’t know what was going on in life, if I was making people happy or sad. I used alcohol to escape. I simply existed.
Stuart Hogg
Hogg also spoke about his current mental state:For the first time since I retired, I felt part of a team again. I went back and told my father: ‘I’ve made the biggest mistake of my life’.
Stuart Hogg
And he concluded:I’m in a better place mentally than I have been in years. I used to think being selfish was a strength, but I went too far. I hurt people.
Stuart Hogg
Hogg, who won 100 matches with Scotland and played two test matches for the Lions, underwent Achilles surgery in April and has not yet played for Montpellier this season.Now I am learning to be selfless for the right reasons: for my children, my partner, my team. I know I will never be the same Stuart Hogg as before, but I am okay with that. I have found peace.
Stuart Hogg
