Former England number 8 Sam Simmonds recently shared his thoughts on Stuart Hogg’s upcoming return to top-level rugby. Hogg is set to join the French Top 14 league after spending a year away from the sport.
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Hogg retired from rugby on July 9 last year, having initially planned to step away after the 2023 Rugby World Cup but ultimately decided to bring his retirement forward.
After reportedly considering offers from clubs in both England and Japan, the Scottish fullback has chosen to join Montpellier, where he is expected to earn a salary of around £350,000 for the season.
Hogg will sign with the French club in July as a “medical joker,” a role for players brought in to cover injuries. He will be stepping in for Anthony Bouthier, who has earned eight caps for France and is sidelined until 2025 due to injury.
At 31 years old, Hogg hasn’t played rugby since the Exeter Chiefs’ Champions Cup semi-final loss to La Rochelle last year.
“With Anthony Bouthier out for some time after ACL surgery, Hoggy is going to bring something we don’t really have at the club with the way he attacks and kicks from the backfield,” Simmonds said.
“I’m pretty excited to play with him again to be honest. Hopefully, he’ll open up some holes for me as he did in the past.
“A year out is not ideal and believe me this heat takes a bit of getting used to, but his time away could help him in the long run. From what I’ve seen in training he’s buzzing. I know how good he was and what a talent he is from playing with him at Exeter.
“I’ve heard some of the boys after seeing him train say ‘bloody hell he’s good’. Of course, he is. He’s a 100-cap international.”
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”