Stuart Hogg starts for Montpellier against Lyon in first Top 14 appearance since January

Stuart Hogg will start at full-back for Montpellier in their final Top 14 regular-season fixture away to Lyon on Saturday, ending a five-month absence from the starting line-up that began when he suffered a thigh injury in the round 16 win over Stade Français on January 31.

The former Scotland captain, who holds 100 Test caps, came off the bench last weekend against Pau and scored a try — his first competitive action in some time — but Saturday marks his first run-on appearance since that January defeat. Montpellier head into the fixture level on points with third-placed Stade Français, meaning a positive result could secure second place in the standings and automatic qualification for the Top 14 semi-finals. Stade Français face La Rochelle in the corresponding final-round match.

Hogg’s time in France has been marked by persistent injury problems. After making 15 appearances last season, he suffered a serious Achilles tendon rupture against Perpignan on April 26, 2024. He returned to action the following November against Clermont but encountered further fitness setbacks before the thigh problem in January brought his season to a premature halt.

Off the field, the 33-year-old has faced significant personal difficulties. In March, Hogg issued a public statement after Police Scotland confirmed he had been re-arrested in connection with an alleged breach of a non-harassment order relating to his ex-partner. He was subsequently released without charge. Hogg stated there had been “no criminal charges” arising from the matter and described elements of the media coverage as “false and defamatory”, adding that he had cooperated fully with police and could not comment further due to ongoing private family proceedings. He said his focus remained on his children and his professional career.

Also in March, Hogg was stripped of his MBE following a formal order from King Charles, with his name removed from the official honours register. The decision was confirmed in a notice published in the official Gazette.