Stuart Hogg linked with shock return to the Premiership in retirement U-turn

Ex-Scotland fullback Stuart Hogg is reportedly exploring his options as he weighs up a return to rugby.

Hogg, who had announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the 2022/23 season, is considering a reversal of that decision.

Stuart Hogg to return?

According to a report by Rugby Pass, Hogg visited Newcastle Falcons’ facilities this week with a view of joining the Premiership strugglers.

The report adds that a deal looks unlikely but that the “door has been left open for further talks.”

Hogg is currently wrapped in legal and personal problems after he was ordered to stay away from his estranged wife and her home after he pleaded not guilty to three charges, including stalking.

Stuart Hogg ordered to stay away from estranged wife ahead of his trial

Before appearing in court, the ex-Exeter Chiefs fullback revealed that he was in rehab for a “rest”.

“Spending time at a rehabilitation centre allowed me to reset, learn about myself and talk about how I felt, without being judged,” he wrote in a social media statement.

“It’s not been easy but it was the right thing to do. Taking accountability was the first step in the right direction. I accept I have made mistakes and understand why l acted as I did.”

‘I was lost’ – Scotland legend Stuart Hogg opens up on how rehab allowed a ‘reset’

‘This is absolutely breaking me’

A return to the rugby pitch would be surprising after his reasonings for calling time on his playing career.

“I got to the stage in my rugby career that I was missing my kids growing up,” he told TNT Sport in August last year.

“When my son, who is seven, turns up to me, and I come home from training, and he’s like: ‘Dad, do you want to go outside and play football?’ And I’m like: ‘Mate, I can’t. I genuinely can’t, like I’m absolutely beat’.

“His little face, and he’s out in the rain… I sit there, and I watch him, and he’s on his own, and I’m like: ‘This is absolutely breaking me’. I want to be there for my kids.”

Hogg made the shock retirement call ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup and at the time was his country’s all-time top try scorer.

During his career, he toured with the British and Irish Lions on three occasions and played 100 Test matches for Scotland.

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