Scotland star Stuart Hogg has announced he will retire from professional rugby after this year’s World Cup.
The Exeter Chiefs full back, who racked up his 100th appearance for his country against Ireland in the Six Nations, said he “wanted to finish at the top of the game” after admitting the wear and tear on his body meant he could “no longer achieve the highest standards”.
The 30-year-old added a “new career beckons” following the autumn tournament in France having led the country to back to back wins over England for the first time in over 40 years in 2022.
He also played on three British and Irish Lions tours in 2013, 2017 and 2021 respectively having made his Scotland debut in 2012.
He also lifted the Pro12 title with Glasgow in 2014-15 and a Premiership and European Champions Cup double with Exeter in 2019-20.
“As a young kid growing up in the Borders, all I wanted to do was play rugby for Scotland. I feel privileged yo have represented my country on 100 occasions, play on three British and Irish Lions tours and represent some amazing clubs,” he said in a post on Twitter.
“I couldn’t have asked for any more.”
He added: “I don’t feel my body can achieve the standards that I set myself for much longer.
“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.”
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