Former Scotland Rugby Captain Stuart Hogg Admits Five Years of Domestic Abuse

By Priscilla Jepchumba

Former Scotland rugby player Stuart Hogg, 32, has publicly admitted disturbing behavior towards his estranged wife Gillian Hogg over almost five years from 2019 to 2024.

When he appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court recently he faced a serious domestic violence charge covering a series of disturbing incidents characterized by aggression, intimidation and abuse.

These incidents have reportedly occurred in a variety of locations, including the picturesque town of Hawick, the bustling city of Glasgow, and even far-flung Exeter. Hogg’s confession sheds light on a troubling chapter in their relationship that has reverberated throughout the rugby community and beyond.

Hogg, who currently plays for Montpellier in France, remains abroad during divorce proceedings. Their abuse, which included verbal aggression and excessive texting, worsened over time, prompting Gillian to seek help from a domestic violence service in early 2023.

One incident involved Hogg sending herself more than 200 text messages over several hours, which led to a panic attack. The text details Mr Hogg’s disturbing behavior towards his wife, Mrs Hogg, including her use of a tracking app to monitor her movements when they return to the Scottish Borders in 2023.

His constant intimidation and questioning of her whereabouts left her feeling afraid and trapped. In February 2024, Hogg invaded their home, breaching the legal order and prompting police intervention. He was taken into custody and later granted a bail order banning contact with his wife.

In August 2024, he breached the order again by trying to contact her during a video call. Angela Gray KC, defending Hogg, accepted that some incidents were indeed criminal offenses under the Domestic Abuse Act 2018, even though they did not meet prosecution standards.

Hogg claimed that although he noticed his inappropriate behavior, he did not intend to be abusive.

“The events were unlikely to reach the threshold required to be prosecuted in criminal courts alone. Mr Hogg accepts that these events fall short of what is expected of a single husband. Hogg accepts that his conduct was criminal when viewed within that framework (the Domestic Abuse Act 2018),” said Angela Gray KC, defending Hogg.

Sheriff Peter Paterson adjourned Stuart Hogg’s sentence until December 5, 2024.