Stuart Hogg will be eligible for the British and Irish Lions in 2025, even with the former Scotland captain due in court later this month.
That is according to Lions chief executive Ben Calveley, who stated that no one is barred from being considered for the squad.
“We don’t have a policy that closes off anyone from being selected,” the CEO said.
“If you just look at previous Lions tours, we’ve had people come on a tour who haven’t been playing for a national side.”
When questioned about the squad, Andy Farrell insisted all players will be considered for selection.
“We’ll consider everyone in regards to whether they will make a difference to the Lions touring party. That’s all that matters,” Farrell said.
“It’s about form; it’s about watching the game properly. Selection, as far as that’s concerned, is the same as for everyone else. No different.”
Today, Hogg, playing his first match in 17 months, was handed the number 15 jersey for Montpellier’s season opener against Lyon.
Despite a 26-22 defeat at the GGL Stadium, Hogg’s performance stood out.
Montpellier head coach Joan Caudullo hailed the 100-times capped international, saying: “He’s still an international-level player.
“Even though he hasn’t played for Scotland for some time, he brings something extra. He leads the line, communicates well, and energises the team.
“We’ll be relying on him to push us forward.”
The comeback follows a challenging year for Hogg off the field, including his arrest over allegations of domestic abuse. He is scheduled to face trial next month.
Hogg is accused of acting aggressively towards his partner, accusing her of infidelity, tracking her movements, and trying to control aspects of family life. The charges, under the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act, relate to incidents between April 2019 and March 2024, with further allegations regarding a breach of conditions imposed in March of this year.
Despite these off-field matters, Hogg’s return to the top tier of French rugby marks a significant chapter in his career, with all eyes on his performance as Montpellier’s season begins.
Stuart Hogg included on brutal list of ‘worst ever’ British & Irish Lions
This list, put together by Pundit Arena in 2022, highlights individuals who may have been victims of misfortune rather than lacking in skill, while others arguably had no business being included in the British & Irish Lions squad.
Keep scrolling to discover who made it onto the list of the least impressive Lions players.
Pundit Arena’s WORST LIONS PLAYERS:
5 – Stuart Hogg
PA: “ 2013 and 2017 went badly for the Scot. The Lions stuck by Hogg for the second Test in 2021 but was shaky under the high-ball and had no chance to shine in attack .”
RUCK: Just doesn’t seem to work out for Hoggy in the Lions with the harder he tries the tougher it gets
VERDICT: Justified
Embed from Getty Images4 – Andy Titterrell
PA: “Choosing to select an enormous 44-man squad, Clive Woodward made several left field selections. None more so than a Sale Sharks hooker with only two caps for England. His technical and physical skills were not good enough for the Lions.”
RUCK: He shouldn’t have been near that squad
VERDICT: Justified