From icon to abuser… former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg’s fall from grace is full, writes HEATHER DEWAR

It has been an insidious fall from grace. Stuart Hogg, once heralded as the golden boy of Scottish rugby, has gone from icon to abuser. His reputation? Tarnished. His legacy? Besmirched.

The 32-year-old former Scotland, Glasgow, Exeter and Lions full-back on Monday pleaded guilty to domestic abuse over a five-year period.

At Selkirk Sheriff Court, Hogg admitted abusing his estranged wife, shouting and swearing at her in an aggressive manner, tracking her movements, and sending her messages which were alarming and distressing in nature.

On one occasion, the court heard, the former Scotland captain sent more than 200 messages over the course of a couple of hours to his wife. He also monitored his wife’s movements through the Find My Phone app after they had split up in 2023, and at one point, caused her to have a panic attack. He will now be sentenced on December 5.

Hailed as one of Scotland’s best rugby players of all time when he retired in July 2023, he was glorified and held up as a figure of inspiration – a role model, indeed.

Sure, there had been failings in his behaviour in the past in terms of discipline with Scotland but to all intents and purposes, it seemed that Hogg could do no wrong – his performances on the pitch far outweighing any off-field antics.

What we know now, however, moves the dial significantly.

Imagine, if you will, that this is your daughter, sister, mother, or friend who has been abused. Imagine the fear they must have felt. How would that make you feel?

Then imagine that the man behind it all remains a revered figure in many camps. Still plays for a distinguished club, in Montpellier in France, still holds an MBE – appointed to him in the last New Year’s Honours list. Quite frankly, it only adds to the insult.

Surely, he should be stripped of that honour? Whatever way we look at this, Hogg has joined a cast of abusers who carry out heinous acts behind closed doors – and in no sane world should he be held up as a figure of inspirational intent.

Yet, there are still those who defend him. And still those who refuse to speak out in condemnation.

What we must not lose sight of, however, is the victim – and the message that retaining this honour gives out.

He has admitted his guilt. So surely we should be drawing a line in the sand here, and erasing the imagery, and reminders of his glory days once held within the national team?

In sport, as in society, domestic abuse is probably more common than we even realise.

The case of Hogg’s former team-mate Rufus McLean – who admitted carrying out a campaign of abuse on his partner over the course of a near two-year period — caused the player to lose his contract with Glasgow Warriors but it was handled horrendously by Scottish Rugby.

The victim’s family subsequently hit out at rugby authorities for continuing to give the player a platform – even after he admitted charges in court – and criticised American Raptors for signing him less than a year after being given 120 hours community service for the crime.

The Boston-born player continues to play rugby in America, and earlier this year, was named Player of the Year by the US outfit.

What we all have to remember here, is that this isn’t just about Stuart Hogg, or indeed, any other perpetrator of domestic abuse. It’s about a much bigger picture.

It’s about the countless victims throughout the UK who continue to suffer in silence.

It’s about the fans, the children, who worship these sportsmen and women and who look to them for guidance and inspiration.

We should not be sending out the message that any of this is okay.

And we should not be scared to say so, either.

Ultimately, performances on the pitch pale into insignificance when a victim’s life is changed beyond all measure.