After RWC 2023, Stuart Hogg announces his shock retirement

After this year’s World Cup, Stuart Hogg will retire from rugby.

Following the tournament in France, the 30-year-old full-back, who recently became Scotland’s fourth centurion, will end his career.

In 2021, he started twice in the back three for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa, making his Scotland debut in 2012.

In 2016 and 2017, he was named Six Nations Player of the Tournament, and he has scored 27 international tries to date.

“After Rugby World Cup 2023, my professional rugby journey will end and I will be retiring from the game,” Hogg, who has represented Glasgow and Exeter at club level, confirmed in a statement.

“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 and Irish Lions tours and represent some amazing clubs. I couldn’t have asked for any more.

“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 forever.”

In 2020, Hogg played all 80 minutes of Exeter’s European title final against Racing 92, winning league titles at Glasgow and Exeter.

Hogg continued: “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.”

At the World Cup 2023 this year, Scotland will play Ireland, South Africa, Tonga, and Romania in Pool B.