Montpellier make decision on the future of former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg
Rugby NewsSaturday, 19 April 2025 at 07:45
Shamed Scotland legend Stuart Hogg could be staying in the south of France a little longer, with
RugbyPass reporting that Montpellier are keen to extend his deal after a strong run of form in the Top 14.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
Back from retirement — and back in form
The 31-year-old stunned fans when he came out of retirement last summer to sign a lucrative two-year contract worth around £350,000 per season. Since then, he’s helped lift Montpellier toward the safety of mid-table, making 13 appearances and scoring two tries along the way.
Fall from grace
Once Scotland’s all-time leading try-scorer and a two-time Six Nations Player of the Championship (2016, 2017), Hogg’s off-field issues made headlines last year after he admitted to the domestic abuse of his estranged wife, Gillian. The former Lions fullback’s reputation took a significant hit, casting a shadow over what had been a glittering international career.
Montpellier ready to commit
Despite the scandal, Hogg’s on-field impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. According to RugbyPass, Montpellier are seriously considering offering the 100-cap international a new deal as they continue their resurgence in the Top 14.
The Stade GGL (capacity: 15,697) could yet remain home for Hogg — but his future, both in rugby and beyond, remains under the microscope.
Not considered for Lions
Despite making an impressive comeback with Montpellier in the Top 14 after reversing his retirement, off-field issues will rule him out of contention for selection by Lions head coach Andy Farrell, according to RUCK sources.
Shock Lions Squad Odds Drop — Marcus Smith Snubbed as Bookies Reveal Stunning Predictions!
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia fast approaching, the bookmakers have released their early odds on who will make the squad.
While a lot can change between now and the final selection, these odds give a strong indication of who the bookies believe will be donning the famous red jersey next summer.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Back-Three: Scottish Stars and Irish Firepower
Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe (1/16) is the closest thing to a certainty, while Ireland’s James Lowe (1/8) and Hugo Keenan (1/5) are also heavily favoured. England’s Tommy Freeman (4/9) is making a strong case, while Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn (8/11) and Darcy Graham (2/1) could add versatility and attacking flair.
Fly-Halves: Russell’s to Lose?
Scotland’s magician Finn Russell (1/10) is almost a lock for the squad, but England’s rising star Fin Smith (8/15) and Ireland’s young talent Sam Prendergast (8/11) are being heavily backed to join him.
Scrum-Halves: A Tight Race
Jamison Gibson-Park (8/11) leads the way for Ireland, but England’s Alex Mitchell (11/10) and Scotland’s Ben White (11/10) are in close contention for the remaining spots.
Forwards: Battle for the Pack
In the front row, Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong (1/8) and Andrew Porter (1/7) are near certainties, while England’s Ellis Genge (4/6) and young Fin Baxter (5/6) are well-fancied. Hooker spots are likely to be taken by Dan Sheehan (1/10), Jamie George (8/15), and potentially Luke Cowan-Dickie (6/5).
Maro Itoje (1/33) is the bookies' biggest lock, with Tadhg Beirne (1/10) and Joe McCarthy (4/6) also well backed. In the back-row, Caelan Doris (1/5) and Ben Earl (1/5) lead the way, while Tom Curry (8/15) and Jack Morgan (4/6) are still in contention.
The bolded players in our proposed Lions squad represent the starting XV, according to current odds.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) - 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) - 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) - 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) - 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) - 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) - 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) - 1/5
- Owen Farrell (England) - 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) - 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) - 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Fin Russell (Scotland) - 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) - 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) - 8/11
SCRUM-HALVES (3)
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) - 8/11
- Alex Mitchell (England) - 11/10
- Ben White (Scotland) - 11/10
PROP (3)
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) - 1/8
- Andrew Porter (Ireland) - 1/7
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland) - 4/11
- Ellis Genge (England) - 4/6
- Fin Baxter (England) - 5/6
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) - 5/4
HOOKER (3)
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland) - 1/10
- Jamie George (England) - 8/15
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (England) - 6/5
LOCK (5)
- Maro Itoje (England) - 1/33
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) - 1/10
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland) - 4/6
- Ollie Chessum (England) - 8/11
- Courtney Lawes (England) - 11/10
BACK-ROW (6)
- Caelan Doris (Ireland) - 1/5
- Ben Earl (England) - 1/5
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland) - 1/3
- Tom Curry (England) - 8/15
- Jack Morgan (Wales) - 4/6
- Jack Willis (England) - 6/4
Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
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