Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has appeared in court and denied a stalking charge.
The 31-year-old is charged with engaging in behavior that caused fear and alarm to his estranged wife, Gillian.
He also entered a plea of not guilty to a charge under section one of the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act, which accuses him of engaging in abusive behavior towards the mother of his four children, from whom he is separated.
Hogg refuted a third charge of failing to comply with an undertaking during the session at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, where a trial date was established.
Following an event at his former partner’s residence in Hawick on Sunday, February 25, the day after he appeared at Scotland’s Calcutta Cup win over England at Murrayfield, he was detained by the police and reported to the procurator fiscal.
Hogg retired from rugby union before the previous year’s World Cup after earning a hundred senior caps and participating in three British and Irish Lions tours.
He holds the record as Scotland’s top try scorer and has secured national and European titles with both Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs.
Hogg received an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours List for his contributions to rugby union.
Last week, Hogg told his 184,000 Instagram followers that he had “reset” at a rehabilitation clinic following his arrest.
He stated: “I felt lost, in need of help, guidance, and time away from the limelight to take a deep breath and reflect.
“I was overly concerned about others’ perceptions of me, how I appeared, the effects on them, and how I would manage each day. Living every moment internally was detrimental.
“Time spent at a rehabilitation center allowed me to reset, discover more about myself, and express my feelings without judgment.
“It hasn’t been easy, but it was necessary.
“Taking responsibility was the first step towards the right direction. I acknowledge my mistakes and comprehend the reasons behind my actions.”
