Scotland legend Stuart Hogg has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.
Hogg had originally planned to retire at the conclusion of this autumn's Rugby World Cup but has decided to call it a day immediately amid ongoing fitness concerns. The 31-year-old full-back is Scotland's leading try-scorer and has won 100 caps for his country, while he also toured with the British and Irish Lions on three occasions - starting two Tests on the last tour, to South Africa in 2021.
He enjoyed great success at club level, winning the PRO12 with Glasgow Warriors in 2015 while he also lifted the Heineken Champions Cup with Exeter Chiefs in 2020.
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"With great sadness and an enormous amount of pride, I am announcing my immediate retirement from playing rugby," said Hogg. "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 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 was appointed Scotland captain in 2020, leading the team to their first win in Wales for 18 years and a year later their first win over England at Twickenham since 1983.
"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," said Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend. "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.
“We respect his decision to step away now and understand the stresses and challenges his body has gone through in recent seasons. He has been an integral part of our squad for many years, as well as captaining the side to famous victories over England and France in 2021, and we all wish him well in his career post rugby. We look forward to welcoming him back to support us from the stands.”
