Former Scotland fullback\u00a0Stuart Hogg\u00a0has been left disappointed after hopes of a move back to England \u2014 and a possible reunion with former coach\u00a0Gregor Townsend\u00a0\u2014 was rejected by\u00a0Newcastle Red Bulls.<\/p>\n
RUCK understands that Hogg, currently out of contract with\u00a0Montpellier\u00a0next summer, had reached out to contacts in England as he explores options to return closer to his children in Scotland.<\/p>\n
However, despite sounding out interest and making tentative approaches, including to Townsend \u2014 who recently joined the Red Bulls in an advisory capacity \u2014 the club are understood to have decided\u00a0against offering the 100-cap international a contract.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe conversations didn\u2019t go anywhere,\u201d a source told RUCK. \u201cGregor\u2019s role is strategic and the club\u2019s looking forward, not back. They\u2019ve been clear they don\u2019t want the distraction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Townsend\u2019s new role at Red Bulls<\/p>\n
The Scotland head coach was recently confirmed as a\u00a0part-time strategic consultant\u00a0for Red Bull\u2019s new rugby project, working roughly 30 days a year alongside his national duties.<\/p>\n
The revamped Premiership outfit \u2014 formerly Newcastle Falcons \u2014 has undergone a total rebrand under Red Bull ownership, with\u00a0Alan Dickens\u00a0appointed as head coach and\u00a0Neil McIlroy\u00a0overseeing rugby operations.<\/p>\n
While Townsend\u2019s appointment has created intrigue among Scottish fans, insiders insist his influence on player recruitment is limited.<\/p>\n
\u201cGregor\u2019s there to offer vision and advice across the Red Bull network,\u201d one rugby executive told RUCK. \u201cHe\u2019s not in the business of handing out lifelines to former players.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reputation rebuild backfires<\/p>\n
Hogg, who\u00a0retired in 2023\u00a0before briefly joining Montpellier, had been hoping to reset his image after a difficult 12 months off the field.<\/p>\n
In late 2024 he\u00a0pleaded guilty to domestic abuse\u00a0against his ex-partner, Gillian Hogg, at Selkirk Sheriff Court. His behaviour included tracking her movements and sending distressing messages. He was handed a\u00a0community payback order with one year of supervision\u00a0and a\u00a0five-year non-harassment order.<\/p>\n
While the sheriff later noted Hogg\u2019s \u201ccomplete compliance\u201d with supervision, his attempts at public explanation drew sharp criticism.<\/p>\n
An interview with\u00a0The Rugby Paper, intended to mark the start of a comeback,\u00a0backfired\u00a0when\u00a0The Mail\u00a0ran with the headline:\u00a0\u201cShamed rugby star Stuart Hogg blasted for blaming drink and anti-depressants for behaviour.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr\u00a0Marsha Scott, CEO of\u00a0Scottish Women\u2019s Aid, condemned Hogg\u2019s comments, saying:<\/p>\n
\u201cMr 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.<\/p>\n
But domestic abuse is always a choice, and the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.<\/p>\n
Any attempt to minimise domestic abuse in public narratives can be deeply harmful, undermining survivors\u2019 experiences and making it harder for others to seek support.<\/p>\n
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.\u201d<\/p>\n
2026 Six Nations Fixtures Revealed: England Get Easy Start<\/p>\n
The championship fires into life on\u00a0Thursday, 5 February, as\u00a0France welcome Ireland\u00a0for a blockbuster curtain-raiser guaranteed to shake the tournament awake from the very first whistle.<\/p>\n
Then comes a\u00a0Super Saturday\u00a0to savour on\u00a07 February.
Italy vs Scotland\u00a0gets things rolling at Rome\u2019s iconic Stadio Olimpico, before all eyes turn to Twickenham \u2014 newly reborn as the\u00a0Allianz Stadium\u00a0\u2014 where\u00a0England clash with Wales\u00a0in a rivalry that never disappoints.<\/p>\n
Buckle up. 2026 is already delivering drama.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfc9\u00a02026 Six Nations Fixtures: Round-by-Round Guide<\/p>\n
ROUND 1<\/p>\n
Thursday 5th February 2026
\ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7\u00a0France v Ireland
\ud83d\udccd Venue TBC
\ud83d\udd57 Kick-off: 8:10pm<\/p>\n
Saturday 7th February 2026
\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9\u00a0Italy v Scotland
\ud83d\udccd Stadio Olimpico, Rome
\ud83d\udd51 Kick-off: 2:10pm<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfdf\ufe0f\u00a0England v Wales
\ud83d\udccd Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
\ud83d\udd5f Kick-off: 4:40pm<\/p>\n
ROUND 2<\/p>\n
Saturday 14th February 2026
\u2618\ufe0f\u00a0Ireland v Italy
\ud83d\udccd Aviva Stadium, Dublin
\ud83d\udd51 Kick-off: 2:10pm<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udff4\u00a0Scotland v England
\ud83d\udccd Murrayfield, Edinburgh
\ud83d\udd5f Kick-off: 4:40pm<\/p>\n
Sunday 15th February 2026
\ud83d\udc09\u00a0Wales v France
\ud83d\udccd Principality Stadium, Cardiff
\ud83d\udd52 Kick-off: 3:10pm<\/p>\n
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n