Scotland fullback Stuart Hogg is set to retire from international rugby following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
He wrote on Instagram: “After RWC2023, my professional rugby journey will end and I will be retiring from the game.
“As a young kid growing up in The Borders, all I wanted to do was to play rugby for Scotland. I feel privileged to have represented my country on 100 occasions, play on 3 British & Irish Lions tours and represent some amazing clubs. I couldn’t have asked for any more.
“I’ve so many people to thank and I will get round to you all. First and foremost is my wife Gill, my parents, my brother and my kids. I’m so lucky and proud to have such a loving family that have supported me every step of the way.
“Rugby has allowed me to meet some incredible characters, make lifelong friends, travel the world and be part of some unbelievable experiences that I will cherish forever.
“Knowing what lies ahead, I have a real hunger to play the best, most enjoyable rugby of my career, finishing the season strongly with Exeter Chiefs before attacking the opportunity we, as a nation, have in France.
“I don’t feel my body can achieve the standards that I set myself for much longer and I’ve always wanted to finish at the top end of the game. After the tournament, a new career beckons and I will attack it in the same manner as I play the game. I hope I have done you proud.
“100 not out (just yet)”
“No chance” – Scotland handed nightmare draw for Rugby World Cup
The highly-anticipated opening match of the next Rugby World Cup will take place in Saint-Denis, France, where the hosts will face off against New Zealand in a blockbuster match.
The finals work the same way as the 2019 tournament with the first two teams in each pool progressing to the quarter-finals, which will be contested by knock-out matches.
If we suppose the top-ranked teams each win their pools and the second-ranked teams finish runners-up then the quarter-finals in 2023 could look something like this with Scotland missing out.
QUARTER-FINALS
Australia vs Argentina
South Africa vs France
England vs Wales
New Zealand vs Ireland
Even if they did escape their pool of death, Gregor Townsend’s men would have face either France or New Zealand in the quarter-finals
The 2023 tournament will take place between 8 September and 21 October 2023.
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “The draw is a key milestone on the journey to Rugby World Cup France 2023, and the time when the tournament truly comes to life for teams and players alike.
“It enables key operational elements to be undertaken such as venue allocation, optimal match schedule development and the ticketing programme.”
FULL 2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP DRAW:
POOL A
- New Zealand
- France
- Italy
- Uruguay
- Namibia
POOL A FIXTURES:
Sep 8: France vs New Zealand (Pool A) – Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Sep 9: Italy vs Namibia (Pool A) – Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Etienne
Sep 14: France vs Uruguay (Pool A) – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille
Sep 15: New Zealand vs Namibia (Pool A) – Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse
Sep 20: Italy vs Uruguay (Pool A) – Stade de Nice, Nice
Sep 21: France vs Namibia (Pool A) – Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Sep 27: Uruguay vs Namibia (Pool A) – Parc OL, Lyon
Sep 29: New Zealand vs Italy (Pool A) – Parc OL, Lyon
Oct 5: New Zealand vs Uruguay (Pool A) – Parc OL, Lyon
Oct 6: France vs Italy (Pool A) – Parc OL, Lyon
