Stuart Hogg's wife 'overwhelmed' by support amid domestic abuse case

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The estranged wife of former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has spoken out for the first time since domestic abuse charges were brought against her husband. Gillian Hogg said has been "overwhelmed" by the support she had received in a social media post after 32-year-old Hogg admitted to abusing her over the course of five years at court earlier this week.

Hogg, who is father to four of Gillian's children, admitted a single charge of domestic abuse against Gillian Hogg, between 2019 and 2024 at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

The court heard how the former Hawick and Glasgow Warriors player once sent more than 200 messages in a couple of hours and regularly shouted and swore at his wife while they lived in Hawick and Glasgow, as well as when they lived in Exeter while Hogg played for Exeter Chiefs.

Many applauded Gillian for her bravery as she spoke out on social media. She wrote: "I've thought long and hard about a Facebook post, what to say, what not to. But there’s nothing more important that needs to come from this than a thank you.

"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 have 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 il 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."

Gillian said how she was now ready to move on with her life. She added: "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."

Many responded to her words with praise with how she had 'handled' the situation and been a role model. Heather Ritson said: "You have been so strong, brave and dignified through it all. The best role model any children could ever have."

Rebecca Wilson, the wife of former Scotland player Ryan Wilson, posted: "The way you have handled the situation thrown at you, with such grace and still being the best mum to four gorgeous babies. You are truly one in a million."

The wife of Scottish international Sean Lamont, Gemma, added: "You have shown the most admirable qualities and with this message still continue to do so."

Hogg, who plays for French club Montpellier after coming out of retirement, now lives abroad and is in the process of divorce proceedings, it was confirmed in court.

During the appearance at court, it was heard that Hogg berated his wife for “not being fun” after going on drinking binges with his colleagues, and sent “in excess of 200 text messages in a few hours despite having been asked to leave her alone” and that Mrs Hogg had a panic attack due to the messages.

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Hogg’s position was that his behaviour was “never intended to be abusive”, the court heard. Sentence was deferred until December 5 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Hogg married Gillian Smith in August 2016 less than a year after the birth of his first child in late 2015, and he became a father for a second time in 2017. During his sporting career, the full-back debuted for the Scotland national side in 2012 and made 100 appearances before announcing his retirement from Scottish rugby in July 2023.

He remains one of Scotland's all-time leading try scorers and was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year honours list for services to rugby union. He is now in a relationship with jockey Leonna Mayor and she is pregnant with his child.

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