Scotland international Stuart Hogg will NOT be taking part in the rugby World Cup

Scotland international Stuart Hogg has announced his retirement from rugby union with immediate effect and revealed he would not be taking part in the World Cup.

Hogg, who joined Exeter Chiefs from Glasgow Warriors in 2019, had planned to hang up his boots after the rugby World Cup.

However, the Scotland international has decided to call it time on his career now after struggling with his fitness. 

Hogg – who featured at the past two World Cups – revealed the news on social media, claiming he ‘knew this day would come’ but had hope it would be further down the line. 

Hogg 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.

‘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 won the Pro12 with Warriors in 2015 and a Premiership and European Champions Cup double with the Chiefs in 2020.

The 31-year-old also won 100 Scotland caps and toured three times with the British and Irish Lions during his career. 

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Speaking about Hogg’s retirement, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said: ‘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. 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.’

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