Where Stuart Hogg will be playing next season and latest on Scotland comeback

Saturday, 08 March 2025 at 08:59

byRugby Rucker

Former Scotland and British & Irish Lions star Stuart Hogg looks set to extend his stay with Montpellier, having played a key role in their push towards the top half of the Top 14 table.

According to RugbyPass, the French club is eager to keep the 31-year-old beyond his current two-year deal, which is reportedly worth around £350,000 per season.

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A decorated career

Stuart Hogg, widely regarded as one of Scotland’s greatest-ever backs, earned 100 caps for his country and featured on two Lions tours (2013 & 2017). A dynamic full-back with blistering pace and a lethal step, he was crowned Six Nations Player of the Tournament in both 2016 and 2017—a rare feat in the competition’s history.

Since coming out of retirement last summer, Stuart Hogg has made 13 appearances and scored two tries for Montpellier, proving to be a valuable asset.

Key figure in Montpellier’s plans?

According to rugby transfer specialist Neil Fissler, Montpellier is keen to extend his deal beyond its current terms, with Hogg’s experience and game-changing ability seen as crucial to their long-term ambitions.

End of the Road for Scotland Caps

While his future in France seems intact, the same can’t be said for his Scotland career. Townsend has reportedly ruled out any chance of Hogg adding to his 100 caps, with Scottish Rugby taking a firm stance in light of his recent convictions.

It’s a stark fall from grace for one of Scotland's most celebrated players. Whether Stuart Hogg can rebuild his career at the club level remains to be seen, but his time in the blue jersey appears to be over.

Bookies Predict the Lions XV to Face Australia – Two England Players Start

Bookmakers have released their predictions for the British & Irish Lions' starting XV to face Australia in the 2025 tour, highlighting a squad dominated by Irish talent and featuring only one English starter.

The anticipated lineup, along with the latest odds for each position, is as follows:

Forwards

1. Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/2

A converted loosehead prop who started his career as a tighthead, Porter is a cornerstone of Ireland’s pack with his powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate around the pitch.

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 3/10

One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, Sheehan offers explosive ball-carrying ability and strong set-piece play. He has become a key figure in Ireland’s recent successes.

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 8/13

Arguably the best tighthead prop in the game, Furlong is known for his scrummaging dominance and remarkable skills in open play, often moving like a back despite his size.

4. Maro Itoje (England) – 1/5

The only Englishman in the starting XV, Itoje is a world-class lock with exceptional athleticism, lineout expertise, and a knack for disrupting opposition attacks. A Lions veteran, he’ll be vital for the tour.

5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 1/2

A rising star in Irish rugby, McCarthy has made a huge impact with his physicality and work rate in Leinster’s second row. He’s quickly becoming a dominant force in European rugby.

6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3

The 2022 World Player of the Year, Van der Flier is an outstanding openside flanker with relentless tackling, breakdown skills, and an ability to pop up in crucial moments.

7. Ben Earl (England) – 4/9

England’s standout forward in recent tournaments, Earl’s dynamic ball-carrying, high work rate, and speed make him a perfect fit for the Lions’ back row.

8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/4

One of the best No.8s in world rugby, Doris combines intelligence, strength, and leadership. His ball-carrying ability and defensive prowess make him an essential selection.

Backs

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – 1/3

Originally from New Zealand, Gibson-Park has revolutionized Ireland’s attack with his fast tempo and crisp distribution. His quick decision-making will be key in Australia.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/4

A mercurial fly-half known for his creativity, pinpoint kicking, and unpredictable attacking play, Russell is the X-factor the Lions will need to unlock Australia’s defence.

11. James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8

A powerful winger with a cannon of a left boot, Lowe has been a game-changer for Ireland, providing pace, physicality, and superb finishing ability.

12. Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5

One of the most destructive centres in world rugby, Aki blends power with slick handling and defensive solidity. His recent form makes him a nailed-on Lions starter.

13. Huw Jones (Scotland) – 1/2

A classy centre with a sharp rugby brain, Jones is known for his attacking lines, pace, and ability to break defences. He has returned to top form for Scotland.

14. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16

A giant winger with terrifying pace and strength, Van der Merwe has been a try-scoring machine for Scotland and was one of the stars of the 2021 Lions tour.

15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5

One of the most consistent full-backs in world rugby, Keenan is rock solid under the high ball, defensively sound, and a dangerous attacking threat.

This projection underscores Ireland's strong presence, with ten players expected to start, reflecting their recent dominance in international rugby. Scotland contributes three players, notably in key backline positions, while England's representation is limited to Maro Itoje in the forwards.

The selection process for the Lions is always a topic of intense debate, influenced by players' form, fitness, and performances in the lead-up to the tour. As the 2025 tour approaches, these odds may shift, especially with upcoming international fixtures and domestic competitions providing players with opportunities to stake their claims.

Note: The odds presented are based on current bookmaker predictions and are subject to change as the tour date nears.