Stuart Hogg has made the surprise announcement that he will retire from rugby after the World Cup this year. The 30-year-old Scotland and Exeter full-back, who won his 100th cap during the Six Nations, has revealed his intention to “finish at the top end of the game”.
Hogg plans to finish the season with Exeter before heading to France for a third World Cup with Scotland. He is out of action with an ankle injury picked up in Scotland’s loss to Ireland this month and announcing the decision on social media revealed he did not believe his body would allow him to compete at the highest level for much longer.
Hogg made his Scotland debut in 2012, having made his senior bow for Glasgow two years earlier. He has represented his country at two World Cups and been selected for three British & Irish Lions tours. In 2019, he made a lucrative move to Exeter and was named Scotland captain the year after, before Jamie Ritchie was installed into the role in October.
“After RWC 2023, my professional rugby journey will end and I will be retiring from the game,” wrote Hogg, who is Scotland’s record try-scorer with 27. “As a young kid growing up in the Borders, all I wanted to do was to play rugby for Scotland. I feel privileged to have represented my country on 100 occasions, play on three British & Irish Lions tours and represent some amazing clubs. I couldn’t have asked for any more.
“I’ve so many people to thank and I will get round to you all. First and foremost is my wife, Gill, my parents, my brother and my kids. I’m so lucky and proud to have such a loving family that have supported me every step of the way. Rugby has allowed me to meet some incredible characters, make lifelong friends, travel the world and be part of some unbelievable experiences that I will cherish for ever.
“Knowing what lies ahead, I have a real hunger to play the best, most enjoyable rugby of my career, finishing the season strongly with Exeter Chiefs before attacking the opportunity we, as a nation, have in France.
“I don’t feel my body can achieve the standards that I set myself for much longer and I’ve always wanted to finish at the top end of the game. After the tournament, a new career beckons and I will attack it in the same manner as I play the game. I hope I have done you proud. 100 not out (just yet).”
Meanwhile, Johnny Sexton may have played his last match for Leinster after the province announced he will have an operation on his groin after seeing a specialist on Tuesday. Leinster said the procedure “will likely keep [Sexton] sidelined for the remainder of the Leinster season”. Although the 37-year-old will lead Ireland into the World Cup, it remains to be seen if he will continue playing after the tournament.
