Stuart Hogg turned back the clock to inspire Montpellier to a thrilling 31–26 win over the Ospreys in the European Challenge Cup, sealing the French side’s place in the knockout stages.
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The former Scotland captain was at the heart of everything for Montpellier, calmly slotting four conversions in a nervy contest. Yet despite his influence, Hogg was relentlessly booed by sections of the crowd throughout the match.
On the pitch, it was another reminder that when fit and firing, Hogg remains a top-class operator capable of deciding big games.
Off the pitch, however, his domestic abuse convictions continue to cast a long shadow — particularly among UK supporters — even if he appears to receive a warmer reception across the Channel.
Hogg’s rugby has largely done the talking over the past 18 months whenever injuries have stayed at bay. But a return to the Scotland setup now looks all but impossible after he was again left out of the 2026 Six Nations squad.
Final verdict:
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has previously made Scottish Rugby’s stance crystal clear. “I’m not going to comment on any specific cases, especially one that’s still ongoing. But on behalf of Scottish Rugby, we condemn any abuse, whether that’s domestic, online or social,” he said.
That position, combined with Hogg’s past disciplinary issues in Scotland camps, strongly suggests the 100-cap star’s international career is finished — even if his club form continues to produce moments of vintage quality like this.
Scotland squad
Forwards: Ewan Ashman, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury, Gregor Brown, Dave Cherry, Scott Cummings, Alex Craig, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Freddy Douglas, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, Nathan McBeth, Liam McConnell, Elliot Millar Mills, D’arcy Rae, Jamie Ritchie, Pierre Schoeman, Rory Sutherland, George Turner, Max Williamson.
Backs: Fergus Burke, Jamie Dobie, Darcy Graham, Adam Hastings, George Horne, Rory Hutchinson, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, Blair Kinghorn, Stafford McDowall, Finn Russell, Kyle Rowe, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White.
Full 2026 Six Nations Fixtures
ROUND 1
Thursday 5th February 2026
France v Ireland – Stade de France, Paris – 8:10pm
Saturday 7th February 2026
Italy v Scotland – Stadio Olimpico, Rome – 2:10pm
England v Wales – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham – 4:40pm
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