Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has revealed that he retired from rugby in an try to rescue his marriage — a call he views because the “greatest mistake of my life”.
Hogg known as time on his profession in 2023 on the age of 31 — shortly earlier than the World Cup that very same yr — however following a tumultuous spell out of the sport, resumed enjoying in 2024 after signing for French membership Montpellier.
The British and Irish Lion in November 2024 admitted to abusing his estranged spouse Gillian and was sentenced to a five-year non-harassment order and fined after breaching bail for repeatedly contacting his ex-partner.
Hogg admits that he prompted damage to individuals round him however has now restored some stability to his life.
“I missed the excitement, the altering room, the banter. I missed rugby greater than I ever realised,” Hogg advised The Rugby Paper.
“I gave up on my rugby profession to attempt to save my marriage. On the time I did not know who I used to be.
“I used to be as much as my eyeballs in antidepressants. I did not know what was occurring in life, whether or not I used to be making individuals joyful or unhappy. I used alcohol to flee. I used to be purely present.
“The Doddie Help cycle experience from Scotland to Rome modified the whole lot. For the primary time since retiring, I felt a part of a group once more. I got here again and advised my dad, ‘I’ve made the largest mistake of my life.’
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“I am in a greater place mentally than I have been in years. I used to suppose being egocentric was energy, however I took that too far. I damage individuals.
“Now I am studying to be selfless for the precise causes — for my youngsters, my associate, my group. I do know I am going to by no means be the identical Stuart Hogg I as soon as was, however I am OK with it. I’ve discovered peace.”
Hogg, who gained 100 Scotland caps and made two Check appearances for the Lions, underwent Achilles surgical procedure in April and has but to play for Montpellier this season.
