Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg has announced that he will be retiring from playing rugby after the World Cup later this year to pursue a new career as he declared that he "always wanted to finish at the top end of the game".The 30-year-old made the surprise announcement through his social media channels on Monday, just over a fortnight after winning his 100th cap against Ireland.Hogg, who turns 31 in June, will play out the rest of the season with Exeter before hanging up his boots after the international showpiece in France in the autumn as he does not believe his body will allow him to maintain the standards he sets for himself "for much longer".The Hawick-born player said in a statement: "After RWC 2023, my professional rugby journey will end and I will be retiring from the game.
As a young kid growing up in the Borders, all I wanted to do was to play rugby for Scotland."I feel privileged to have represented my country on 100 occasions, play on three British & Irish Lions tours and represent some amazing clubs.
I couldn't have asked for any more."I've so many people to thank and I will get round to you all. First and foremost is my wife Gill, my parents, my brother and my kids.
I'm so lucky and proud to have such a loving family that have supported me every step of the way."Rugby has allowed me to meet some incredible characters, make lifelong friends, travel the world and be part of some unbelievable experiences that I will cherish forever."Knowing what lies ahead, I have a real hunger to play the best, most enjoyable rugby of my career, finishing the season strongly with Exeter Chiefs before attacking the opportunity we, as a nation, have in France."I don't feel my body can achieve the standards that I set myself