“My problem was my head”, “I cried at the end”: the words of Stuart Hogg after MHR’s victory against ASM Clermont

Shadow, then light. Like his journey. Stuart Hogg, initially sluggish (he was penalized for speaking to the referee, was passive on the ASM's refused try), was finally the man of the match for Montpellier against Clermont. Two fifty-meter penalties in the second half finally allowed MHR to definitively take the score and win (18-22).

“Stuart is a bit like Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. We know he’s an exceptional player. He brings us a lot on and off the pitch”declared Joan Caudullo, the manager, after the match.

For the first time since his arrival in France, he answered our questions.

It was a real test that you passed with flying colors. What are your feelings?

It was very good. We had targeted this week, this stadium. We wanted to put on a performance. We knew we could win if we stuck to the plan. The guys are very happy.

Personally, how do you feel in this team?

I love him. I had a new life with this team. The guys have been incredibly welcoming. They supported me throughout the match. Joan (Caudullo, manager) and Bernard (Laporte) gave me an opportunity. I am incredibly grateful.

Do you like this number 10 post?

Yes ! It's been a long time since I played in this position but I'm doing everything I can to help the team. It hasn't been perfect, but it's been a lot of fun.

Tonight you showed two different faces. You get penalized for talking to the referee, then you score decisive penalties in tricky positions…

Yes, I have always been a little on the limit. I have to adapt to the French style. I talk too much. I'm passionate, I get carried away sometimes. I need to calm down.

Is this a big win for the team tonight?

Oh yes. After the season, it's a new life. Everyone is having fun. We work really hard, and it's to have these kinds of victories like tonight. Now, focus on Bayonne. We can't wait.

“I always wanted to play in France”

You, Billy Vunipola, Cobus Reinach… What do you bring to the group?

We're already doing our job. There is a lot of experience, it's true, we try to guide as best we can. We give our opinion at key moments, saying how we can improve. But there are a lot of other guys who bring that like Lenni (Nouchi) and Arthur (Vincent). I'm always learning things, even if I've been on the field for a long time.

I always wanted to play in France. I always wanted to come here. This is one of the reasons I try so hard. I'm really having fun.

How did you react when Montpellier contacted you to bring you out of retirement?

I learned a lot from last year. I said my body was the problem. In reality, it was my head. I worked a lot, with a lot of people, to become better. I made a lot of mistakes. I learned from these. It's an opportunity for me to show who I am.

I am very grateful. I learned a lot physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was in tears after the match because it meant a lot. I want to be part of a winning team. I say it again, I am grateful.

How does it feel to be coached by a young staff?

It's great. They gave me the opportunity to play. Benoît (Paillaugue) and Doum (Geoffrey Doumayrou) told me about their strategy, we discussed, they offered me to play at the opening, to have responsibilities. I'm still learning, even though they're young, they're doing a good job.