"I hurt people" - Stuart Hogg opens up on 'biggest mistake' of his life

“I missed the buzz, the changing room, the banter. I missed rugby more than I ever realised. I gave up on my rugby career to try and save my marriage. At the time, I didn’t know who I was,” Hogg told The Rugby Paper this weekend in a wide-ranging interview.

The ex-fullback admitted that retirement hit him hard, both mentally and emotionally.

“I was up to my eyeballs in anti-depressants. I didn’t know what was going on in life, whether I was making people happy or sad. I used alcohol to escape. I was purely existing.

“The Doddie Aid cycle ride from Scotland to Rome changed everything. For the first time since retiring, I felt part of a team again. I came back and told my dad, ‘I’ve made the biggest mistake of my life.’

“I missed the camaraderie, the laughs, the buzz. I needed that back.”

Hogg, whose divorce was finalised earlier this month at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, says he’s now rebuilding his life in France — and rediscovering what happiness looks like.

“The real downside is being away from my kids and getting the chance to go back and see them regularly. The hope is that they’ll be able to come out to France and see me.

“Things are improving on that front, which I’m grateful for, so things are definitely improving for me and my family. I live 20 minutes from Montpellier, five minutes from the beach. It’s relaxing.”

Now back in a rugby environment, Hogg says he’s found a new sense of purpose and belonging.

“The players and coaches value me, maybe because I finally value myself. I’m in a better place mentally than I’ve been in years. I used to think being selfish was strength.

“But I took that too far. I hurt people. Now, I’m learning to be selfless for the right reasons – for my kids, my partner, my team. I know I’ll never be the same Stuart Hogg I once was, but I’m okay with it. I’ve found peace.

“I’m living in the now. Everyone asks about life after rugby. I spent too long worrying about the future. Now I just want to play until I can’t play anymore. Rugby will always be part of my life – 100 per cent.”

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Abby has since been diagnosed with cancer and has publicly addressed her health challenges. In 2025, she commented on Cohen's split from Kristina Rihanoff, reflecting on her own experiences during their relationship.

South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel announced their divorce in October 2024 after eight years of marriage.

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England rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio and his wife Alice Corbett married in 2005 and have three children together: Ella, Josie, and Enzo. The couple recently divorced after nearly 20 years of marriage, amid allegations of infidelity and financial difficulties.

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Former All Blacks player Murray Mexted and Miss Universe Lorraine Downes separated in 1999 after several years of marriage.

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