Stuart Hogg: Scotland full-back retires with immediate effect

The 31-year-old had planned to hang up his boots after the Rugby World Cup, where Scotland are drawn with Ireland in Pool B, but has brought forward his decision.

"It is difficult where to start but with great sadness and an enormous amount of pride, I am announcing my immediate retirement from playing rugby," said Hogg.

"I fought with everything I had to make the Rugby World Cup but this time my body has not been able to do the things I wanted and needed it to do. We knew this day would come eventually, I just never thought it would be this soon.

"It's hard to put into words just how much of an impact the game has had on my life. I will be retiring knowing that I have given my body and heart to rugby. I will be forever grateful to this amazing community and cannot wait to begin my journey as a proud supporter of the team."

Hogg won 100 caps for Scotland and was a three-time tourist with the British and Irish Lions.

More to follow...