Courage of Stuart Hogg's abused wife as she breaks silence

The wife of shamed rugby star Stuart Hogg yesterday broke her silence to thank those who supported her throughout her domestic abuse ordeal - and said it is time to 'start my next chapter and move on'.

Gillian Hogg took to social media after the 32-year-old former Scotland internationalist was convicted of a five year campaign of abuse earlier this week.

The disgraced rugby star abused the mother of his four children, shouting and swearing at her as well as tracking her movements and bombarding her with texts.

During the years of torment Hogg caused her to suffer a panic attack, berated her for 'not being fun' and sent her 'aggressive and hostile' messages.

There has been an outpouring of 'support and love' for Mrs Hogg since her husband, who was capped for Scotland 100 times, pleaded guilty to a single charge of breaking domestic abuse laws.

The brave victim has now thanked all those who helped her through the ordeal.

On social media, Mrs Hogg, 37, said: 'Thank you to every single person who has reached out to me in ways of love, kindness and support. Who have text, messaged, called, visited, sent flowers.

'Who gave me a hi, a smile, a hug or even just a look to show they care.

'My friends and family have picked me up and carried me through this all and I'll be grateful forever for them all.

'I have been completely overwhelmed this week especially. The abundance of support and love has swamped me in the most positive way. Thank you.

'Now it's time to start my next chapter.

'To move on and to keep showing my kids every day that strength comes from unconditional love and support around you, and even when it hurts, love wins.'

And the partners of those in the rugby world are among those to have come out and back her, too.

The wife of former Scottish international Sean Lamont, Gemma, and Rebecca Wilson, and the wife of former Scotland player Ryan, posted their support on social media.

Mrs Wilson praised the way Mrs Hogg 'handled the most horrendous behaviour and situation thrown at you with such grace and still being the best mum to four gorgeous babies'.

She added: 'You are truly one in a million and I am so excited for karma to give you everything you deserve and more.'

And Mrs Lamont said that during the 'most horrible and adverse circumstances' Mrs Hogg had 'shown the most admirable qualities and with this message still continue to do so'.

Mrs Lamont added: '[I] couldn't be prouder of you and when the kids are old enough to understand this more they will see all you did to love, care for and protect them.

'You found incredible strength when it must have felt there was none left to find. The next chapter will bring beautiful things for you.'

Shamed Hogg, who now plays for French team Montpellier, admitted a single charge of domestic abuse between 2019 and 2024 on Monday at Selkirk Sheriff Court, leading to calls for him to be stripped of the MBE he was awarded this year.

He will be sentenced next month.

Prosecutor Drew Long told Sheriff Peter Paterson on Monday Mrs Hogg had become 'scared of Mr Hogg because of his behaviour when he was drinking'.

And, when the then couple lived in Devon when he played for the Exeter Chiefs in 2019, the court was told his behaviour 'deteriorated'.

Mr Long said: 'He would regularly shout and swear at her, using particularly offensive language and criticising her for not being fun.

'This would often be in response to her wanting to stay upstairs looking after her children rather than coming to drink with him and his friends.'

When they moved back to Hawick, Roxburghshire, in May 2023, Hogg began 'going out more regularly and drinking'.

Mrs Hogg left him in September that year and they are now divorcing. She had taken advice from a domestic abuse service and 'no longer felt safe in her home'.

But, despite the breakup, the abuse continued and she was still inundated with calls and texts.

Hogg's new girlfriend, 34-year-old broadcaster and former jockey Leonna Mayor, is pregnant with his fifth child.