Stuart Hogg releases statement after being stripped of Scotland captaincy

Edinburgh back-row Jamie Ritchie was named as Hogg's successor on Wednesday as coach Gregor Townsend announced his squad for the Autumn Tests.

Hogg returned to the group after being rested for the tour to Argentina.

"Congratulations to Jamie Ritchie on the captaincy, he’s been a stand-out player for us and will have my full support," said Hogg

"I’m naturally disappointed about not being Captain for the Series - it’s been a huge honour leading my country and an integral part of my life.

"Some of my favourite wins in a Scotland shirt have come during this time. It won’t impact how I approach the game, I’ll always try my best to lead from my actions."

From leaving out legends to in-form stars not getting a look in,  RUCK looks at five other shocking exclusions from squads ahead of next months international fixtures.

The Exeter Chiefs centre has been told he must rediscover his form at Exeter after emerging as a surprise omission from England’s squad for the autumn.

Slade has been left out of the 36-man group that will face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham next month, with Will Joseph, Guy Porter, Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrell the recognised centres present.

“There are a number of disappointed players who have been left out,” Jones said. “Their job is to make sure they go back to their clubs and play so that they have to be selected. They all know what they have to do.

“This is a very strong, vibrant squad and a number of good players have been left out. We are pleased with the depth and strength of the squad.”

The Dragons back-rower was the highest-profile omission as Wayne Pivac named his 35-man squad this week.

Head coach Pivac has told the British & Irish Lions to improve his all-round game to claim a place for the Six Nations.

Dragons forward coach Mefin Davies says Dragons feel Moriarty's "hurt" and backed him to prove a point in Sunday's derby against Ospreys.

"It's about form and consistency," head coach Gregor Townsend said of his fly-half selections.

"The 10s that are in our squad, and in particular Adam Hastings, his form has been very good this season. We want to reward that. 

"For Finn we want him to respond to this challenge and show regular form and consistency for his club." 

Racing 92 fly-half Russell, 30, was unavailable for the first match against Australia, which falls outside the Test window, but is a surprise omission for the games against Fiji, New Zealand, and Argentina in November.

A high-profile omission yes, but Watson's absence was a little more expected as the veteran wing continues his comeback from a knee injury that kept him out for 10 months.

He's probably only a couple of good performances away from an England recall.

With the powerhouse centre banned for the first two games, head coach Farrell left out the New Zealand-born centre by naming just three centres in his squad with McCloskey offering competition to Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose.

Aki could return to the fold later in the series.