Stuart Hogg has made the marvel announcement that he’s going to retire from rugby after the World Cup this yr. The 30-year-old Scotland and Exeter full-back, who received his one hundredth cap throughout the Six Nations, has published his purpose to “finish at the top end of the game”.
Hogg plans to complete the season with Exeter ahead of heading to France for a 3rd World Cup with Scotland. He is out of motion with an ankle harm picked up in Scotland’s loss to Ireland this month and pronouncing the verdict on social media published he didn’t imagine his frame would permit him to compete on the easiest degree for for much longer.
Hogg made his Scotland debut in 2012, having made his senior bow for Glasgow two years previous. He has represented his nation at two World Cups and been decided on for 3 British & Irish Lions excursions. In 2019, he made a profitable transfer to Exeter and was once named Scotland captain the yr after, ahead of Jamie Ritchie was once put in into the function in October.
“After RWC 2023, my professional rugby journey will end and I will be retiring from the game,” wrote Hogg, who’s Scotland’s document try-scorer with 27. “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, played on three British & Irish Lions tours and represented some amazing clubs. I couldn’t have asked for any more.
“I’ve so many people to thank and I will get round to all of you. First and foremost is my wife, Gill, my parents, my brother and my kids. I’m so lucky and proud to have such a loving family that has supported me every step of the way. 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.
“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. 100 not out (just yet).”
Meanwhile, Johnny Sexton may have played his last match for Leinster after the province announced he would have an operation on his groin after seeing a specialist on Tuesday. Leinster said the procedure “will likely keep [Sexton] sidelined for the remainder of the Leinster season”. Although the 37-year-old will lead Ireland into the World Cup, it is still noticed if he’s going to proceed taking part in after the match.