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David Rogers/Getty Images
Stuart Hogg of British & Irish Lions runs with the ball past Pieter-Steph du Toit of South Africa in 2021.
Scotland’s Rugby World Cup hopes have suffered a blow with star fullback Stuart Hogg announcing his immediate retirement due to injuries.
Hogg – a three-time British and Irish Lion – had been planning to retire after attending his third World Cup in France.
But the 31-year-old former Scotland captain, who won 100 caps, confirmed he was quitting now in a statement on Sunday (Monday NZ time).
“I fought with everything I had to make the Rugby World Cup, but this time my body has not been able to do the things I wanted and needed it to do,” he said.
“It is difficult where to start, but with great sadness and an enormous amount of pride, I am announcing my immediate retirement from playing rugby. We knew this day would come eventually – I just never thought it would be this soon.
“It’s hard to put into words just how much of an impact the game has had on my life. I will be retiring knowing that I have given my body and heart to rugby. I will be forever grateful to this amazing community and cannot wait to begin my journey as a proud supporter of the team.”
SKY SPORT
Skipper Stuart Hogg scored the bonus point clinching try as the Scots collected a Six Nations away win.
Hogg, from the Scottish Borders, won a PRO 12 with the Glasgow Warriors in 2015 and the English Premiership and European Champions Cup double with English club Exeter Chiefs in 2020.
He toured with the Lions to Australia in 2013, New Zealand in 2017 – although his trip was cut short by injury – and South Africa in 2021.
Hogg made his Scotland debut in 2012 as a 19-year-old – three years after surviving a car accident that killed his friend and rugby teammate, Richard Wilkinson. Hogg had Wilkinson’s initials tattooed on his ribs and signalled his initials every time he scored a test try.
Scottish media have widely hailed Hogg as their greatest player of the professional rugby era and the fulcrum of Scotland’s attack alongside Finn Russell.
Hogg captained Scotland to several memorable wins, including away Six Nations victories over Wales and England.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Stuart Hogg of Scotland is tackled by Kotaro Matsushima of Japan at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“He has been an outstanding player for Scotland and has had a career lit up with so many achievements, highlights and special memories,” Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching Stuart for the majority of his career and he was a joy to work with and watch on the training field and in games. His basic skills and speed set him apart from other players and it has been an amazing effort to play test rugby for the past 11 years.
“To reach 100 caps this year was fitting and just reward for a career that has seen him represent the British and Irish Lions and win trophies both domestically and at a European level.
“We respect his decision to step away now and understand the stresses and challenges his body has gone through in recent seasons.”
Hogg is the latest high-profile player to announce his test retirement before the World Cup, following his former Lions teammates Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric, who have played their last matches for Wales.
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