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

It has been a treacherous fall from grace. Stuart Hogg, once heralded as Scottish rugby’s golden boy, has gone from icon to abuser. His reputation? Defiled. His legacy? Smeared.

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

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

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

When he retired in July 2023, he was hailed as one of Scotland’s greatest rugby players of all time and idolized and held up as an inspiration – a role model even.

A court heard Hogg would bombard her with messages and track her movements using an app after they broke up

Of course there were shortcomings in his behavior in the past in terms of discipline towards Scotland, but by all accounts it seemed that Hogg could do no wrong; his on-field exploits far outweighed any off-field antics.

However, what we know now changes 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 all this remains a respected figure in many camps. Still plays for a top club, in Montpellier in France, and still holds an MBE – awarded to him in the latest New Year’s Honors list. Frankly, it just adds insult to injury.

Shouldn’t that honor be taken away from him? However we look at this, Hogg has joined a cast of abusers who commit heinous acts behind closed doors – and in no sane world should he be held up as a figure with inspirational intentions.

Yet there are still people who defend him. And still those who refuse to speak out in judgment.

The 100-cap international was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honors for services to rugby

What we should not lose sight of, however, is the victim – and the message that preserving this honor conveys.

He has admitted his guilt. So surely we need to draw a line in the sand here and erase the images and memories of his glory days that were once held within the national team?

In sports, as in society, domestic violence is probably more common than we realize.

The case of Hogg’s former teammate Rufus McLean – who admitted to waging a campaign of abuse against his partner over a period of almost two years – saw the player lose his contract with Glasgow Warriors, but it was brutally handled by the Scottish team. Rugby.

The victim’s family subsequently took out rugby authorities for continuing to provide a platform for the player – even after he admitted the charges in court – and criticized American Raptors for releasing him less than a year after he was given 120 hours of community service for the crime, had signed.

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

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

Hogg’s former teammate Rufus McLean has continued his career in America after pleading guilty to domestic violence against his girlfriend

It’s about the countless victims across Britain who continue to suffer in silence.

It’s about the fans, the kids, who adore these athletes and look to them for guidance and inspiration.

We shouldn’t send out the message that all this is fine.

And we shouldn’t be afraid to say that either.

Ultimately, on-field achievements pale into insignificance when a victim’s life is dramatically changed.