Stuart Hogg's confidences after Montpellier's victory in Clermont

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This was one of the questions among the arrivals in the Top 14 this summer. It must be admitted, Stuart Hogg did not have an obvious start to the season but he quickly adapted. Between injuries and absences linked to his trial for moral harassment against his ex-wife, the Scottish international (100 caps) was able to become one of the bosses of the MHR on the ground.

Stuart Hogg: “A new life with this team”

At 32, and after having given up on the 2023 World Cup to put a premature end to his rugby career, Stuart Hogg was however the good pick of the Hérault transfer window. Replaced at the number ten position, the usual rear of the XV of the Thistle played eight games, all as a starter, and scored 41 points.

“I love this team! I had a new life with this team. The guys have been incredibly welcoming. Joan (Caudullo) and Bernard (Laporte) gave me an opportunity. I am incredibly grateful to them. When I was in contact with Bernard I told him that I had physical problems, and he told me that it was mental, and that I would feel good in Montpellier. »

Following the victory on the lawn of Clermont this Saturday for the thirteenth day of Top 14 (22-18), the medical joker ofAnthony Bouthier did not hide his emotion at a press conference: “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 very grateful. »

The former Exeter player, who pleaded guilty in the case between him and his ex-wife, also returned to his arrival in Hérault and his start to the season with the MHR. Stuart Hogg admitted to having done a lot of work on himself to regain his level which now allows Montpellier to be in seventh place in the championship.

Medical Joker by Anthony Bouthier

“I learned a lot from last year,” said Stuart Hogg. 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 but I learned from them. Be at Montpellierit’s an opportunity for me to show who I am. I learned a lot physically, mentally, and emotionally. »

Installed in the number ten position since October after starting the season at the back, the former British Lion appreciates this new adventure under the Montpellier colors: “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. It's a new life. »

It now remains to be seen whether Stuart Hogg will return to Montpellier for a few more months while Anthony Bouthier seems to be reaching the end of his convalescence. With little opening halves in sight this season, the MHR could well achieve a good deal.

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