Stuart Hogg has been sentenced today after admitting to a five-year campaign of domestic abuse against his estranged wife, Gillian Hogg.
The former Scotland captain has been sentenced to a five-year non-harassment order and fined £600 after breaching bail.
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A shocking admission
The 32-year-old pleaded guilty on November 4 at Selkirk Sheriff Court to a single charge of domestic abuse. Hogg admitted to shouting, swearing, and sending alarming and distressing messages to his ex-partner.
200 texts in hours
In court, it was revealed that Hogg once bombarded Mrs. Hogg with over 200 texts in just a few hours. His behavior included tracking her movements using the Find My Phone app and berating her after drinking binges, accusing her of “not being fun.”
Panic attacks and abuse
The abuse spanned their time living in both Hawick and Exeter, with Mrs. Hogg experiencing a panic attack as a result of his actions. She eventually sought help from domestic abuse services.
What’s next for Hogg?
Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentencing until December 5, allowing Hogg’s legal team to present full mitigation. A restriction of liberty assessment is also being considered. Until then, Hogg remains on bail.
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A tarnished legacy
Hogg retired from rugby union in 2023 after earning over 100 caps for Scotland and featuring in three British and Irish Lions tours. One of Scotland’s all-time leading try scorers, he was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to rugby union.
In a surprising turn, Hogg came out of retirement this summer to sign a two-year deal with Montpellier. His off-field actions, however, now cast a shadow over his illustrious rugby career.
Mike and Zara Tindall Revealed as Rugby’s THIRD Richest Couple
Rugby’s richest couples: From childhood sweethearts to global icons, these power pairs have racked up some serious cash.
Whether it’s through epic careers, savvy investments, or royal connections, here are the top five rugby couples who are absolutely smashing it off the pitch.
5. Johnny and Laura Sexton – £6m
Together since their teens, Johnny Sexton and his wife Laura are one of rugby’s wealthiest couples.
Known for their close-knit family, with three children often seen pitchside, the Sextons met at Rathgar Tennis Club and tied the knot in 2013.
From Dublin’s Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin, Johnny and Laura have been through it all. Their story, filled with love and commitment, has captivated fans just as much as Johnny’s rugby career.
4. Siya and Rachel Kolisi – £10m
With an empire worth an estimated £10 million, Siya and Rachel Kolisi were not just a power couple but partners in philanthropy. Known for their foundation and work in communities, the couple planned to keep collaborating on their projects, even as they transition to a new chapter.
Siya recently rejoined the Sharks in South Africa after a stint with French side Racing, but despite their split, Rachel remains the “rock” Siya has always called her.
Though the Kolisis’ marriage may be over, their legacy as one of South Africa’s most-loved couples will continue to inspire fans across the globe.
3. Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.
2. Jonny and Shelley Wilkinson – £22m
Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.
In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013.
The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson’s net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby’s wealthiest figures.
1. Sonny Bill and Alana Williams – £20m
Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.
In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time.
Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple’s net worth is reported to be around £20 million.
Test Your Rugby Knowledge: Top 17 Male Point Scorers Quiz
Whether they dominated with ice-cool penalty kicks, pinpoint conversions, or electrifying tries, these players have made their mark on the game.
You’ve got four minutes on the clock—can you list them all? Grab a pen, set the timer, and let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to ace this ultimate rugby challenge!
