Is a return to rugby with Montpellier really the best thing for troubled former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg? Asks ALEX BYWATER

It has been almost 12 months since Stuart Hogg shocked Scottish rugby by retiring with immediate effect on the eve of last year’s World Cup, insisting his body was no longer capable of performing at the highest level.

The past year has been eventful to say the least and anything but easy for the decorated full-back.

The latest development in his story has come as another big surprise, with Hogg – still only 31, it must be remembered – having passed a medical and will sign for French side Montpellier for next season.

It’s the latest chapter for Hogg and one that would have been hard to see coming. There can be no doubt that the former Scotland captain has had more than his fair share of recent personal problems.

Last month he appeared in court accused of abuse towards his estranged wife Gill. Hogg pleaded not guilty but will be tried in July.

Hogg said he has spent the past 12 months in rehab to deal with a number of issues. His split with Gill and new relationship with former jockey turned racing presenter Leonna Mayor has also seen him in the headlines for non-rugby reasons.

That said, it does make you wonder if Hogg’s latest move is the right decision. With so much going on in his life, much of it far from easy, is now really the time to move to Europe, away from his children?

Maybe the needs have to. But it’s hard to escape the feeling that while Hogg’s decision to return to rugby is one that could scratch a sporting and financial itch, it may not be the best thing for him as a person. Time will tell of course.

Montpellier’s billionaire owner Mohed Altrad confirmed in an interview with French media that his team would sign Hogg. Hogg will join a team that has underperformed woefully in the TOP14 this season and only just retained top status after a play-off win over Grenoble.

Earlier this year, Hogg said in a post on Instagram that he had been through “the darkest of times” after admitting he had sought support.

“I was lost, needed help, direction, and time away from the spotlight to breathe deeply and think,” he wrote. ‘I was so worried about what people thought of me, how I came across, the impact I would have on them and how I would survive the day.

‘I lived every moment in my head and that wasn’t healthy. Spending time in a rehabilitation center allowed me to reset, learn about myself and talk about how I was feeling without being judged. It wasn’t easy, but it was the right thing to do. Taking responsibility was the first step in the right direction.

‘I accept that I made mistakes and understand why I acted the way I did.’

Hogg is not the first sports star to experience personal problems after retirement and will almost certainly not be the last. And there’s always a chance that his return to rugby will actually help him. But there can be no doubt that Montpellier’s decision to sign for Hogg on what is believed to be an initial two-year contract is a big gamble given the player’s time off from the game .

Hogg joins a side now managed by controversial former France coach Bernard Laporte as cover for the full back injury of Anthony Bouthier, who will not play until 2025 due to a serious knee injury.

French clubs are notoriously strict when it comes to players’ medical examinations before signing them, so Montpellier need not worry about Hogg’s fitness.

When Hogg announced his retirement last July, he admitted: ‘I fought with everything I had to get to the World Cup, but this time my body hasn’t been able to do the things I wanted and needed. We knew this day would come eventually, I just never thought it would be this soon.

Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad has confirmed that the French club are close to signing Hogg

“I retire knowing that I have given my body and heart to rugby.”

Hogg has clearly decided he has more to give now. Before Altrad announced his move in Montpellier, rumors swirled that the player would return – first to Newcastle and before that to his native Hawick at amateur level.

There can be no doubt that Hogg was a truly outstanding player in his prime. More than 100 caps for his country, his appointment as captain and three British & Irish Lions tours are testament to this.

Montpellier will be hoping they get that player – someone with devilish speed who has undoubtedly been one of the best in his position in the world over the past decade.

Perhaps more importantly, one hopes that Hogg’s time in Montpellier will give him the chance to get his life – both sporting and personal – back on track.