Stuart Hogg on his decision to save his marriage: It was the biggest mistake of my life.

According to The Sun: Stuart Hogg, a former rugby star, claims that his decision to leave the sport to save his marriage has become 'the biggest mistake' of his life and has led to alcohol abuse.

The former Scotland captain is accused of a five-year campaign of domestic violence against his ex-wife Jillian.

In July 2023, Hogg unexpectedly announced his retirement two months earlier than planned. But later, after returning from vacation, he announced his new contract with the French club Montpellier, where he continues to play.

The move to Montpellier came after he was arrested on domestic violence charges. Last November, Hogg was found guilty of a five-year campaign of abuse, and he also pleaded guilty to offensive behavior.

Hogg is now in a relationship with former jockey and TV presenter Leonna Mayor, and they have a child together, as well as four children from his former wife Jillian.

Stuart Hogg's words about his decision

In a new interview with The Rugby Paper, the former Exeter Chiefs player called his decision to leave rugby the biggest disappointment of his life.

“I felt that my body could not meet the standards I set for myself. This was the main reason for my resignation. I hoped that this would save my marriage,”

He added that life without rugby led to alcohol abuse and his descent into antidepressants.

“I felt like I was just existing,”

However, participating in the Doddie Aid cycle from Scotland to Rome restored his sense of unity and support.

“I came home and told my dad: 'I made the worst mistake of my life,'”

Hogg now lives in France, but he finds it hard to be away from the children who remain in Scotland.

“The real negative is being far from the kids,”

However, the situation is improving, and he optimistically hopes that the kids will be able to come to France to visit him.

“I realize I will never be the Stuart Hogg I was before, and that’s okay. I have found peace,”

Jillian, his ex-wife, is reportedly looking happy after their divorce.

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