Scotland's all-time leading try scorer Stuart Hogg has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.
The 31-year-old had initially outlined his intentions to call it quits after this year's Rugby World Cup, which takes place from September 8 to October 23.
However, Hogg has now conceded that his body "has not been able to do the things I wanted and needed it to do" in order to give himself the best possible chance of reaching full fitness for the World Cup.
The former Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs man took to social media on Sunday to announce his retirement, writing on Instagram: "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.
"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 @scotlandteam."
Hogg hangs up his boots having amassed 171 points from a century of appearances in a Scotland jersey, bringing up his 100th cap against the Republic of Ireland in this year's Six Nations.
The former full-back posted a record 25 tries for Scotland during his illustrious career, crossing the line for the final time against Japan in 2021, breaking the previous record first set by Iain Smith in 1933 and replicated by Tony Stanger in 1990.
Appointed Scotland captain in 2020, Hogg competed at two World Cups for his nation and toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 (Australia), 2017 (New Zealand) and 2021 (South Africa).
"Following Stuart's news we would like to wish him all the best in his retirement. He has been an outstanding player for Scotland and has had a career lit up with so many achievements, highlights and special memories," Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said in a statement.
"I have had the pleasure of coaching Stuart for the majority of his career, and he was a joy to work with and watch on the training field and in games. He had a love for so many aspects of the game, and not only got joy from taking on defenders with ball in hand but also putting his teammates into space.
"His basic skills and speed set him apart from other players, and it has been an amazing effort to play Test rugby for the past 11 years. To reach 100 caps this year was fitting and just reward for a career that has seen him represent the British & Irish Lions and win trophies both domestically and at a European level.
"We respect his decision to step away now and understand the stresses and challenges his body has gone through in recent seasons. He has been an integral part of our squad for many years, as well as captaining the side to famous victories over England and France in 2021, and we all wish him well in his career post rugby. We look forward to welcoming him back to support us from the stands."
At club level, Hogg clinched a Gallagher Premiership and European Champions Cup double with the Chiefs in the 2019-20 season, prior to which he became a Guinness Pro12 champion with the Glasgow Warriors in 2015.
Ben Knapton
