It is nearly 12 months since Stuart Hogg shocked Scottish rugby by retiring with immediate effect on the eve of last year’s World Cup, insisting his body was no longer capable of performing at the highest level.
The last year has been eventful to say the least and anything but straightforward for the decorated full-back.
The latest development in his story has come as another big surprise, with Hogg — still only 31, it must be remembered — having passed a medical and set to sign for French side Montpellier for next season.
It is the latest chapter for Hogg and one you’d have struggled to see coming. There can be no doubt the former Scotland captain has had more than his fair share of recent personal difficulties.
Last month, he appeared in court charged with acting in an abusive manner to his estranged wife, Gill. Hogg pleaded not guilty but faces a trial in July.
Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad has confirmed the French club are close to signing Hogg
By his own admission, Hogg has spent time in rehab over the past 12 months to deal with a number of issues. His break-up from Gill and new relationship with former jockey turned racing presenter Leonna Mayor has also seen him in the headlines for non-rugby reasons.
All that said, one wonders if Hogg’s latest move is the right decision. With so much going on in his life, much of which is far from straightforward, is now really the time to move to Europe and away from his children?
Perhaps needs must. But it is hard to escape the feeling that while Hogg’s decision to return to rugby is one that might scratch a sporting and monetary itch, it is maybe not the best thing for him as a human being. Time will tell, of course.
Montpellier’s billionaire owner Mohed Altrad confirmed his team were set to sign Hogg in an interview with French media. Hogg will join a team which woefully underachieved in the TOP14 this season and only just maintained its top-flight status after a play-off victory over tier-two side Grenoble.
Earlier this year, Hogg said he had been through ‘the darkest of times’ in a post on Instagram after admitting he had sought out support.
‘I was lost, needed help, direction, time away from the spotlight to be able to take a deep breath and think,’ he wrote. ‘I’ve been so concerned about what people thought of me, how I was coming across, the impact I would have on them and how I would survive the day.
‘I lived every moment in my head and it wasn’t healthy. Spending time at a rehabilitation centre allowed me to reset, learn about myself and talk about how I felt, without being judged. It’s not been easy but it was the right thing to do. Taking accountability was the first step in the right direction.
‘I accept I have made mistakes and understand why l acted as I did.’
Hogg is not the first sports star to have personal troubles after retirement and almost certainly won’t be the last. And there is always a chance his return to rugby might actually help him no end. But there can be no doubt Montpellier’s decision to move for Hogg on what is understood to be an initial short-term deal is a big gamble given the player’s time away from the game.
Hogg is joining a side now headed up by controversial former France coach Bernard Laporte as full-back injury cover for Anthony Bouthier, who won’t play until 2025 due to a serious knee injury.
French clubs are notoriously stringent with their medical examinations on players before signing them, so Montpellier must have no concerns over Hogg’s fitness.
When announcing his retirement in July last year, Hogg admitted: ‘I fought with everything I had to make the World Cup but this time my body has not been able to do the things I wanted and needed it to do. We knew this day would come eventually, I just never thought it would be this soon.
‘I will be retiring knowing I have given my body and heart to rugby.’
Hogg has clearly decided he now has more to give. Before Altrad revealed his Montpellier move, there had been whispers of the player returning — first with Newcastle and before that his native Hawick at amateur level.
There can be no doubt that in his prime, Hogg was a truly splendid player. More than 100 caps for his country, being appointed captain, and three British & Irish Lions tours attests to that.
Montpellier will be hoping they get that player — one with a devilish turn of speed who was undoubtedly one of the best in his position in the world over the last decade.
More importantly, perhaps, one hopes that Hogg’s Montpellier stint will provide him the chance to get his life — in both a sporting and personal sense — back on the straight and narrow.
