Stuart Hogg’s fairytale return to rugby has hit a nightmare twist, with the former Scotland captain now facing up to nine months on the sidelines after suffering a season-ending Achilles rupture while playing for Montpellier.
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From revival to rupture
The 32-year-old, who sensationally came out of retirement last summer to join the Top 14 side, was forced off in the second half of Saturday’s clash with Perpignan after a bone-crunching collision with winger Tavite Veredamu. Hogg had soared high to collect a kick when he was clattered by the flying Fijian – and the damage was immediate.
Montpellier confirmed the worst on Tuesday, revealing the full-back-turned-fly-half had torn his Achilles tendon and has already undergone surgery.
“Stuart suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the second half of the MHR vs USAP match,” a club statement read. “He underwent successful surgery on Tuesday. We wish him a speedy recovery!”
“Absolutely gutted” – Hogg breaks silence
Posting from his hospital bed, Hogg gave fans an update that was equal parts heart-wrenching and hopeful.
“Not how I envisaged my season in Montpellier ending,” he wrote. “To say I’m gutted would be an understatement. Ruptured Achilles. Operation was a successful one this morning in Saint Jean Hospital. Time to rest up before cracking on with the rehab.”
“My aim now is to support the team in whatever way I can and remain as positive & optimistic. I will be back from this.”
A new role, a fresh start – cruelly cut short
Hogg had been thriving in his new life in the south of France, operating in a surprise new position at fly-half. Saturday marked his 11th Top 14 start in the No.10 shirt, and he’d played a key role in Montpellier’s resurgence – lifting them to ninth in the table and just a point off the play-off spots.
The injury follows a turbulent year off the field too, with the ex-Lions star receiving a community payback order last month after admitting to abusing his estranged wife Gillian.
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The former Lions coach, who famously delivered the spine-tingling ‘Everest’ speech on the 1997 tour, opted for three players per position in a balanced selection for Scottish Rugby News.
And while some inclusions were expected, Telfer hasn’t been afraid to raise eyebrows, especially with some bold calls in the backline.
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Genge leads the English charge up front
Ellis Genge is a nailed-on pick at loosehead, joining Ireland’s Andrew Porter and Scotland’s Rory Sutherland.
Despite fitness concerns, Luke Cowan-Dickie is also included at hooker. There’s no England tighthead in the squad — a rare omission.
In the second row, Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are both in, underlining their continued importance at international level.
Back-row packed with English muscle
Telfer has gone heavy on Englishmen in the back-row — naming Ben Earl and Tom Curry at blindside, with Ben Curry making the cut at openside alongside Josh van der Flier and Jac Morgan.
There’s no room for Zach Mercer, Sam Underhill, or Alex Dombrandt, despite all being part of the England conversation at various points.
Surprise call-ups out wide
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the selection of Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck on the wing, with both making huge impressions in the Premiership this season.
They’re joined by Fin Smith at fly-half and George Furbank, who has quietly impressed, as one of three full-back options.
Alex Mitchell is the sole English scrum-half picked, with no room for Danny Care or Harry Randall.
