Former Scotland fullback Stuart Hogg has been left disappointed after hopes of a move back to England — and a possible reunion with former coach Gregor Townsend — was rejected by Newcastle Red Bulls.
RUCK understands that Hogg, currently out of contract with Montpellier next summer, had reached out to contacts in England as he explores options to return closer to his children in Scotland.
However, despite sounding out interest and making tentative approaches, including to Townsend — who recently joined the Red Bulls in an advisory capacity — the club are understood to have decided against offering the 100-cap international a contract.
“The conversations didn’t go anywhere,” a source told RUCK. “Gregor’s role is strategic and the club’s looking forward, not back. They’ve been clear they don’t want the distraction.”
Townsend’s new role at Red Bulls
The Scotland head coach was recently confirmed as a part-time strategic consultant for Red Bull’s new rugby project, working roughly 30 days a year alongside his national duties.
The revamped Premiership outfit — formerly Newcastle Falcons — has undergone a total rebrand under Red Bull ownership, with Alan Dickens appointed as head coach and Neil McIlroy overseeing rugby operations.
While Townsend’s appointment has created intrigue among Scottish fans, insiders insist his influence on player recruitment is limited.
“Gregor’s there to offer vision and advice across the Red Bull network,” one rugby executive told RUCK. “He’s not in the business of handing out lifelines to former players.”
Reputation rebuild backfires
Hogg, who retired in 2023 before briefly joining Montpellier, had been hoping to reset his image after a difficult 12 months off the field.
In late 2024 he pleaded guilty to domestic abuse against his ex-partner, Gillian Hogg, at Selkirk Sheriff Court. His behaviour included tracking her movements and sending distressing messages. He was handed a community payback order with one year of supervision and a five-year non-harassment order.
While the sheriff later noted Hogg’s “complete compliance” with supervision, his attempts at public explanation drew sharp criticism.
An interview with The Rugby Paper, intended to mark the start of a comeback, backfired when The Mail ran with the headline: “Shamed rugby star Stuart Hogg blasted for blaming drink and anti-depressants for behaviour.”
Dr Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women’s Aid, condemned Hogg’s comments, saying:
“Mr Hogg was convicted of domestic abuse against his former partner, and we are all too familiar with the pattern of perpetrators attempting to minimise or justify their abusive behaviour.
But domestic abuse is always a choice, and the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.
Any attempt to minimise domestic abuse in public narratives can be deeply harmful, undermining survivors’ experiences and making it harder for others to seek support.
It is vital that reporting and commentary on such cases recognise the reality and seriousness of domestic abuse and centre the voices and safety of the women and children who are affected by it.”
2026 Six Nations Fixtures Revealed: England Get Easy Start
The championship fires into life on Thursday, 5 February, as France welcome Ireland for a blockbuster curtain-raiser guaranteed to shake the tournament awake from the very first whistle.
Then comes a Super Saturday to savour on 7 February.
Italy vs Scotland gets things rolling at Rome’s iconic Stadio Olimpico, before all eyes turn to Twickenham — newly reborn as the Allianz Stadium — where England clash with Wales in a rivalry that never disappoints.
Buckle up. 2026 is already delivering drama.
🏉 2026 Six Nations Fixtures: Round-by-Round Guide
ROUND 1
Thursday 5th February 2026
🇫🇷 France v Ireland
📍 Venue TBC
🕗 Kick-off: 8:10pm
Saturday 7th February 2026
🇮🇹 Italy v Scotland
📍 Stadio Olimpico, Rome
🕑 Kick-off: 2:10pm
🏟️ England v Wales
📍 Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
🕟 Kick-off: 4:40pm
ROUND 2
Saturday 14th February 2026
☘️ Ireland v Italy
📍 Aviva Stadium, Dublin
🕑 Kick-off: 2:10pm
🏴 Scotland v England
📍 Murrayfield, Edinburgh
🕟 Kick-off: 4:40pm
Sunday 15th February 2026
🐉 Wales v France
📍 Principality Stadium, Cardiff
🕒 Kick-off: 3:10pm
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