Stuart Hogg stunned everyone last month when he announced his unexpected decision to retire from the world of rugby union.
He spoke of a profound sadness as he said his goodbyes to the sport that has been the cornerstone of his life.
This revelation caught many off guard, especially considering that the Scottish rugby icon had originally intended to conclude his career after this year’s highly anticipated 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Nevertheless, sources with insider knowledge from RUCK have hinted at various alluring opportunities still within Hogg’s reach, with a potential venture to Japan being one of them.
Despite a substantial ‘six-figure offer’ hovering around the half-million mark for a single season, Hogg wrestled with a tough decision, ultimately prioritising the well-being of his family and declining the potentially lucrative deal.
However, it’s worth noting that he has since secured a respectable contract with TNT Sports for the upcoming rugby season, covering both the Premiership and the Champions Cup.
The retirement of Hogg signifies the culmination of a remarkable era for this exceptionally skilled athlete, leaving an indelible impression on the tapestry of rugby.
Joining Exeter Chiefs from Glasgow Warriors in 2019, Hogg’s tenure was marked by exceptional performances and leadership qualities that earned him immense respect within the rugby fraternity.
Throughout his career, he accumulated an impressive tally of 100 Scotland caps, cementing his status as one of the nation’s finest players.
Additionally, Hogg experienced the pinnacle of international rugby, touring three times with the revered British and Irish Lions.
In an emotional statement, Hogg expressed the immense determination he possessed to represent his country at the Rugby World Cup.
“He has been an outstanding player for Scotland and has had a career lit up with so many achievements, highlights and special memories,” Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said.
“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. 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.
“To reach 100 caps this year was fitting and just reward for a career that has seen him represent the British and Irish Lions and win trophies both domestically and at a European level.
“We respect his decision to step away now and understand the stresses and challenges his body has gone through in recent seasons.”
“Time to go home,” – Stuart Hogg has new job already after quitting rugby aged 31
New career:
Hogg said in a statement: “A new career beckons and I will attack in the same manner as I play the game.”
The Scotland legend has revealed he isn’t too keen on coaching, but will remain in the game as a pundit after making his debut on BBC during the 2023 Six Nations.
PUNDITRY:
Sources tell RUCK that BT Sport (soon to be TNT Sports) are keen. to recruit the fullback as a key part of their 2023/24 Premiership coverage.
RESTAURANT OWNER:
He is the co-owner of steak house Finsbay Flatiron in Glasgow.
The focus for Finsbay Flatiron is steak, specialising in 8oz flat irons (as the name suggests) and steaks from £8 on weekdays and £10 on weekends, as well as sides like mac and cheese and triple cooked chips.
KNITWEAR:
Away from rugby, Hogg has a number of passions. In 2018, he linked up with Scottish business Johnstons of Elgin, maker of cashmere knitwear and fine woollens, to bring out a range of his own jumpers, zips and hoodies. It is where his dad John worked for many years, and the company is based in his hometown Hawick. “I’m passionate about wearing local garments and it’s great to have an opportunity to have my own range.”
HORSE RACING:
He is also a big horseracing fan, having once revealed his sporting hero is AP McCoy, who was champion jockey for a record 20 consecutive times. “My passion for horses has endured, though, and when you think of horse racing you think of AP McCoy,” he once told the BBC. “I just loved AP, he was the only jockey who always wore the same colours, the green and yellow stripes with the white hat. It soon became apparent that was AP McCoy, and he was the big dog.”
DISTILLERY:
He’s a director of a distillery named Maiden Batch.
Caulker’s is a collaborative effort between five Glasgow men, two of whom happen to be British Lions and Scotland rugby internationals, Hogg and Alastair Kellock. The bottle is signed by all five.
Other rugby players now making it big in business after smart investments
With the time in elite sport forever shortening, rugby players would be smart to look to the future and invest in businesses too, like these current and ex-pros…
When they’re not smashing each other on the pitch, rugby players with one eye on the future could do worse than taking steps into the world of business.
If they’re lucky, professionals might enjoy careers lasting about 15 years in the sport – and taking up a job as a coach or media pundit after retirement isn’t for everyone.
No sector has been left unturned by players from across all levels of the game in their investments as they seek to set themselves up for life and regain focus after hanging up their boots.
Here’s some of the most prominent rugby players to have made waves in business.
Jack Nowell
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall.
Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere.
He is also a director of MUSTARD Clothing.
