Stuart Hogg on retirement mistake and Montpellier reset
Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg said he ended his football career to save his marriage, but said this decision was the “biggest mistake” of his life.
The 33-year-old, who pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic abuse against his ex-wife Gillian last November, retired in 2023 at the age of 31.
The three-time British and Irish Lions tourist made the announcement two months before the start of the Rugby World Cup, citing wear and tear on his body.
He reversed that decision last summer and was granted bail to be allowed to travel to France to play for Montpellier after he breached a court order to avoid contact with his ex-wife.
Hogg, who played 100 times for Scotland and is one of the greatest players the country has ever produced, said he was “up to his eyeballs on antidepressants” before retiring at the end of his four-year career at Exeter Chiefs.
“I gave up my rugby career to save my marriage. I didn’t know who I was then,” the former Glasgow Warriors full-back said. Rugby Paper., external
“I didn’t know what was going on in life, whether I was making people happy or sad. I used alcohol to escape. I was completely present.
“I’m in a better place mentally than I’ve been in years. I used to think it was hard to be selfish.
“But I took it too far. I hurt people. Now, I’m learning to be selfless for the right reasons – for my children, my partner and my team. I know I can never be the Stuart Hogg I once was, but that’s okay. I’ve found peace.”
