Stuart Hogg has revealed his shock decision to retire from rugby altogether after this year's World Cup in France.
The former Scotland captain and British and Irish Lions full-back, who plays his club rugby in the English Premiership with Exeter Chiefs, said he wanted to go out at the highest level after feeling that his body won't remain at the required level for much longer.
In an emotional statement posted to his social media channels, Hogg said on Monday: "After RWC2023, my professional rugby journey will end and I will be retiring from the game.
"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, play on 3 British & Irish Lions tours and represent some amazing clubs. I couldn’t have asked for any more.
"I’ve so many people to thank and I will get round to you all. 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 have 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.
The Final Chapter… pic.twitter.com/gUhq7jkVrv
— Stuart W Hogg (@StuartWHOGG_) March 27, 2023
"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)."
Hogg will go down as one of Scotland's greatest ever players, becoming only the fourth to reach a century of caps during an encouraging recent Six Nations campaign for Gregor Townsend's side - following Ross Ford, Chris Paterson and Sean Lamont.
Since making his debut in 2012, the 30-year-old has been almost an ever-present in the backline and served as captain between 2020-22. He has scored 27 tries and 171 points in total for Scotland, who finished behind only Ireland and France in this year's Six Nations after winning the Calcutta Cup again at Twickenham.
The Scots are in a difficult Pool B for the autumn World Cup in France which starts in September, alongside defending champions South Africa and Six Nations Grand Slam winners Ireland plus improving Tonga and Romania.
As well as making a huge impact for his country, Hogg is a veteran of three successive Lions tours in 2013, 2017 and 2021, making Two test appearances against the Springboks.
He spent the first nine years of his senior club career with Glasgow Warriors, winning the then Pro12 championship in 2012. He joined Exeter in 2019, where he has lifted both the Premiership title and European Champions Cup.
