Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has admitted he suffered domestic abuse for five years.

Priscilla Jepchumba

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

During a recent appearance at Selkirk Sheriff Court, he was charged with serious domestic violence charges which included a number of disturbing incidents characterized by aggression, intimidation and stalking.

The incidents are reported to have occurred in a variety of locations, including the picturesque town of Hawick, the bustling city of Glasgow and even Exeter, away from their home turf. Hogg’s confession sheds light on a troubling chapter in their relationship that has reverberated throughout the rugby community and beyond.

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

The incident involved Hogg sending her 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, Ms Hogg, including his use of an app to track her movements upon their return to the Scottish Borders in 2023.

His constant intimidation and questioning of her whereabouts left her feeling scared and trapped. In February 2024, Hogg violated the law by breaking into their home, which led to police intervention. He was detained and later received a bail order prohibiting contact with his wife.

In August 2024, he tried to contact her on a video call, again disrupting the order. Angela Gray CC, defending Hogg, accepted that while some of the events may not have met the standard of prosecution, they did constitute criminal offenses under the Domestic Violence Act 2018.

Hogg said he did not intend to offend, although he was aware of his inappropriate behavior.

“The incidents individually are unlikely to reach the threshold required for prosecution in the criminal courts. Mr Hogg accepts that these incidents individually fall short of what is expected of a husband. Hogg accepts that his conduct under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 was criminal in nature,” said Angela Gray CC. in Hogg’s defense.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentencing of Stuart Hogg until 5 December 2024.