Stuart Hogg Skips Court Hearing, Pregnant Partner Stands by His Side Through Legal Drama

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Hogg, 32, is accused of a range of offences against his ex-wife, Gillian Hogg, which allegedly spanned seven years, from 2017 to 2024. Court papers claim that Hogg’s behavior included controlling and tracking her movements, monitoring her communication, and even acting aggressively by shouting, swearing, and making accusations of infidelity.

The ex-rugby player faces six charges in total, linked to incidents that allegedly took place in various locations including Hawick, the Scottish Borders, and Bearsden, Glasgow. To add to the drama, Hogg is also accused of sending “distressing messages” to another woman, despite being asked to stop.

Hogg, who currently plays for French club Montpellier, did not appear at Jedburgh Sheriff Court in the Scottish Borders for his intermediate diet hearing on Monday. The father-of-four had initially been due to face trial in September, but the date was pushed back to November after fresh allegations emerged — including claims of stalking and breaches of bail, which he denies.

Despite his absence, Sheriff Peter Paterson has confirmed the trial will proceed on November 4, 5, and 8 at Selkirk Sheriff Court. When asked about Hogg’s no-show, his lawyer, Ross Dow, responded, “He was told not to be here.” Meanwhile, procurator fiscal India MacLean stated she was unaware of why Hogg did not attend.

Amid the legal turmoil, there’s a silver lining for Hogg, as his girlfriend, TV presenter Leonna Mayor, recently revealed that she’s pregnant with their child.

Mayor, who’s made waves in both the racing world and as a presenter for ITV and Sky Sports, took to Instagram in September to share the exciting news. Posting a baby scan photo alongside a cheeky caption, Mayor announced, “I’m not a fan of surprises but this one is defo growing on me (literally),” confirming they are expecting a boy.

Mayor’s romance with the former Scotland captain first hit the spotlight in November 2023, when she posted a loved-up snap of the two with the caption, “the least Mondayest Monday ever,” alongside the song ‘Better Together.’

Now, as the couple prepares for the arrival of their baby boy, Hogg’s legal challenges continue to cloud what should be a joyous time for the pair. The question remains: how will the upcoming trial impact the former rugby star’s new chapter as a father once again?

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

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.

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.

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.