Scotland international and Exeter Chiefs star Stuart Hogg announces immediate retirement from rugby

Scotland and Exeter Chiefs full-back Stuart Hogg has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.

Hogg, 31, had initially planned to retire after this year’s Rugby World Cup in France, but revealed in a statement that he wouldn’t be fit to bid farewell on the sport’s grandest stage.

“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,” Hogg wrote on social media.

“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. 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.”

Hogg made a name for himself with his lightning speed in attack, which earned him a Scotland debut off the bench in the 2012 Six Nations before he scored a try in his first start against France.

He would go on to make 100 appearances for his country, scoring a record 27 tries in Scottish colours and captaining the side from 2020 to 2022. Among the career highlights, Hogg led Scotland to a first win at Twickenham since 1983 and a first away victory against France since 1999 during the 2021 Six Nations.

At club level, Hogg began his career at Glasgow Warriors in 2011. In more than 100 appearances, he won the 2014-15 Pro12 with the Scottish club before he joined Exeter Chiefs in 2019, where he would form a crucial part of a domestic and European Championship-winning campaign.

At the peak of his powers, Hogg was renowned as one of the best full-backs in the world, which earned him selection for three Lions Tours.

He missed out on making his full Test debut in 2013 and 2017 for the Lions, but got his chance in 2021 when he started the first two matches against South Africa.

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend led the tributes, saying: “We would like to wish him all the best in his retirement. He has been an outstanding player for Scotland and has had a career lit up with so many achievements, highlights and special memories.

“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.

“He had a love for so many aspects of the game, and not only got joy from taking on defenders with ball in hand but also putting his team-mates into space.

“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 a just reward for a career that has seen him represent the British & Irish Lions and win trophies both domestically and at a European level.”