Stuart Hogg Reveals Biggest Life Mistake After Rugby Retirement
Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has shared details about his decision to retire from rugby, describing this step as “the biggest mistake of my life”. Hogg, who announced his retirement in 2023 at the age of 31, shortly before the World Cup of that same year, returned to the sport in 2024, signing for the French club Montpellier. In November 2024, Hogg admitted to having mistreated his wife, Gillian, and was sentenced to a five-year non-harassment order, as well as a fine, for violating bail by repeatedly contacting his ex-partner.
“I gave up my rugby career to try and save my marriage. At that moment, I didn’t know who I was. I was on antidepressants. I didn’t know what was happening in my life, whether I was making people happy or sad. I used alcohol to escape. I was simply existing.” “The Doddie Aid bike ride from Scotland to Rome changed everything. 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'”. “I’m in a better place mentally than I have been in years. I used to think being selfish was a strength, but I took it too far. I hurt people. Now I’m learning to be altruistic for the right reasons: for my children, my partner, my team. I know I’ll never be the same Stuart Hogg I was before, but I’m okay with that. I’ve found peace.” Hogg, who played 100 matches for Scotland and participated in two tests for the Lions, underwent Achilles surgery in April and has not yet played for Montpellier this season.“I missed the excitement, the outfits, the camaraderie. I missed rugby more than I ever imagined,” Hogg commented.
Stuart Hogg
