The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Slick]

What a career from Hoggy, one of if not the greatest ever Scotland player. Certainly the greatest of my lifetime. Part of me wonders if the move south to attritional rugby and lack of gametime management has deprived us of another 3-5 years of him in a Scotland shirt, but we’ll never know. Regardless, what a servant.

It’ll be interesting to see what comes next, but I think a move away from rugby is possible. I had heard some rumours about some form of stud farm/horse training business which would seem to be right up his street. Whatever he does next I hope it is a success.

All of this. Actually a bit emotional about it.

Stood up and was counted when we needed him

[Slick]

I saw some rumours posted on Reddit (yeah, I know...) that Toony was cosidering excluding him on a conduct basis. He'd been given leave from camp to go to the horse riding thing, but followed it with a 3 day bender allegedly. Also further mention of his propensity for cheating on his wife.

Some of you lads are relatively connected, any truth to it?

I’d bet a lot of money this is bullshit.

Particularly as he would have had to squeeze his 3 day bender in to 24 hours if he was riding yesterday.

Trying not to get pissed off with you about posting this, but Scottish rugby is a very small place and I’ve never heard it be bad thing about his personal conduct

[SomersetJock]

Damn, gutted Hoggy couldn’t make one more W/C. He will be sorely missed.

Kinghorns time to shine and I definitely believe he has got what it takes to do it. Smith as backup and Jones and Darcy as emergency cover !

It’s really not great news, but It would have been a bigger blow if it was Finn hanging up his boots today !

[KingBlairhorn]

Damn, gutted Hoggy couldn’t make one more W/C. He will be sorely missed.

Kinghorns time to shine and I definitely believe he has got what it takes to do it. Smith as backup and Jones and Darcy as emergency cover !

It’s really not great news, but It would have been a bigger blow if it was Finn hanging up his boots today !

Unfortunately I think that is exceptionally likely post-WC

[SomersetJock]

I agree, I think he will have a gentleman’s agreement with Bath that he will do that.

[Slick]

Damn, gutted Hoggy couldn’t make one more W/C. He will be sorely missed.

Kinghorns time to shine and I definitely believe he has got what it takes to do it. Smith as backup and Jones and Darcy as emergency cover !

It’s really not great news, but It would have been a bigger blow if it was Finn hanging up his boots today !

Unfortunately I think that is exceptionally likely post-WC

Really? I’d be surprised

[Yr Alban]

Just seen this news and it makes me sad. I can’t quite believe he isn’t going to have one more crack at the RWC, or that we’ll never see him in a Scotland jersey again. A truly generational talent, who had the great misfortune to spend half his career (and likely the best half) with inadequate team-mates.

I will still never watch the ‘try that never was’ against NZ without hoping that maybe this time he’ll make it.

So I guess it’s BK’s shirt to lose now.

[Yr Alban]

I agree, I think he will have a gentleman’s agreement with Bath that he will do that.

I really hope not. But it’s certainly a possibility. I wonder if he wants another crack at a Lions tour though.

[Big D]

I agree, I think he will have a gentleman’s agreement with Bath that he will do that.

I really hope not. But it’s certainly a possibility. I wonder if he wants another crack at a Lions tour though.

I think he'd want a crack at the Lions.

[sockwithaticket]

I saw some rumours posted on Reddit (yeah, I know...) that Toony was cosidering excluding him on a conduct basis. He'd been given leave from camp to go to the horse riding thing, but followed it with a 3 day bender allegedly. Also further mention of his propensity for cheating on his wife.

Some of you lads are relatively connected, any truth to it?

I’d bet a lot of money this is bullshit.

Particularly as he would have had to squeeze his 3 day bender in to 24 hours if he was riding yesterday.

Trying not to get pissed off with you about posting this, but Scottish rugby is a very small place and I’ve never heard it be bad thing about his personal conduct

Tbh there's all sorts of stuff that turns out to be true that hits Reddit via 'I know a guy' before more reputable sources pick it up, whether it's signings or stuff like Cowan-Dickie spending the night in the drunk tank before flaking on his Montpol medical, so I've learnt not to completely discount what goes up there.

[westport]

The Scotland team will continue their preparations for the Rugby World Cup tomorrow in St Andrews for a three-day training camp with Bath Rugby duo Ruaridh McConnochie and Josh Bayliss joining the group.

Bayliss replaces Andy Christie who is unable to train currently following an arm injury and will remain at his club to undergo rehabilitation. McConnochie steps in for the retired Stuart Hogg.

Adam Hastings continues his recovery from his leg injury sustained in the World XV v Barbarians match at the end of the season and will remain in the squad, meeting up with the team in St Andrews.

[Biffer]

I will still never watch the ‘try that never was’ against NZ without hoping that maybe this time he’ll make it.

Until the day I die.

[clydecloggie]

I will still never watch the ‘try that never was’ against NZ without hoping that maybe this time he’ll make it.

Until the day I die.

Somewhere in the multiverse, Scotland is 2 from 2 against the All Blacks in the last few years.

[clydecloggie]

Anyway, BK the new 15 you'd think and a poorly timed injury (what else is new) to Adam Hastings means it could be an opportunity for Ollie Smith to make the RWC as the back-up 15. If Hastings does make it, he'll be the new BK as 10/15 cover.

[Jock42]

Disappointed he's retired but obviously have to do what's best for yourself. All the best Hoggy.


Really like the new straps, only complaint is lack of collar.

[Jock42]

Anyway, BK the new 15 you'd think and a poorly timed injury (what else is new) to Adam Hastings means it could be an opportunity for Ollie Smith to make the RWC as the back-up 15. If Hastings does make it, he'll be the new BK as 10/15 cover.

They're both probably going to now I'd assume. Prior to Hogg retiring I would have thought it would be Russell, Hastings/Healy, Hogg and Kinghorn covering 10 and 15.

[Yr Alban]

Disappointed he's retired but obviously have to do what's best for yourself. All the best Hoggy.


Really like the new straps, only complaint is lack of collar.

I really think the political furore is going to impact the sales figures. As someone commented on FB, the decision to make the announcement about the board appointments a few days before launching the new kit is incomprehensibly stupid.

[clydecloggie]

Disappointed he's retired but obviously have to do what's best for yourself. All the best Hoggy.


Really like the new straps, only complaint is lack of collar.

I really think the political furore is going to impact the sales figures. As someone commented on FB, the decision to make the announcement about the board appointments a few days before launching the new kit is incomprehensibly stupid.

Nah. Half the Scottish rugby public liked Rooth enough to vote for her and the RWC kit always sells well because it's the one without the sponsor on it.

[Biffer]

Disappointed he's retired but obviously have to do what's best for yourself. All the best Hoggy.


Really like the new straps, only complaint is lack of collar.

I really think the political furore is going to impact the sales figures. As someone commented on FB, the decision to make the announcement about the board appointments a few days before launching the new kit is incomprehensibly stupid.

Nah. I despise Ruth Davidson but it’s not going to affect me supporting Scottish Rugby. And voicing my displeasure about it to anyone of influence I meet.

[I like neeps]

Anyway, BK the new 15 you'd think and a poorly timed injury (what else is new) to Adam Hastings means it could be an opportunity for Ollie Smith to make the RWC as the back-up 15. If Hastings does make it, he'll be the new BK as 10/15 cover.

I'd be surprised if Ollie Smith isn't the starting 15.

[clydecloggie]

Anyway, BK the new 15 you'd think and a poorly timed injury (what else is new) to Adam Hastings means it could be an opportunity for Ollie Smith to make the RWC as the back-up 15. If Hastings does make it, he'll be the new BK as 10/15 cover.

I'd be surprised if Ollie Smith isn't the starting 15.

Really? I'd think BK is the nailed-on 15? Or are you thinking Toonie does a Franco and goes 6-2 against SA and Ireland, Smith at 15 and BK the 23 covering 10-15? Can't really see it, tbh.

[Slick]

Anyway, BK the new 15 you'd think and a poorly timed injury (what else is new) to Adam Hastings means it could be an opportunity for Ollie Smith to make the RWC as the back-up 15. If Hastings does make it, he'll be the new BK as 10/15 cover.

I'd be surprised if Ollie Smith isn't the starting 15.

I agree

[Slick]

Disappointed he's retired but obviously have to do what's best for yourself. All the best Hoggy.


Really like the new straps, only complaint is lack of collar.

I really think the political furore is going to impact the sales figures. As someone commented on FB, the decision to make the announcement about the board appointments a few days before launching the new kit is incomprehensibly stupid.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it has the opposite effect to be honest. A lot of supporters thoroughly pissed off with all the noise from folk who have never seen a rugby game in their life, petitions etc, and will buy a top

[Yr Alban]

Disappointed he's retired but obviously have to do what's best for yourself. All the best Hoggy.


Really like the new straps, only complaint is lack of collar.

I really think the political furore is going to impact the sales figures. As someone commented on FB, the decision to make the announcement about the board appointments a few days before launching the new kit is incomprehensibly stupid.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it has the opposite effect to be honest. A lot of supporters thoroughly pissed off with all the noise from folk who have never seen a rugby game in their life, petitions etc, and will buy a top

I guess we’ll see.

Petition is closing in on 10k signatures (no, I didn’t start it!)

[Tichtheid]

What would surprise me is someone buying a Scotland shirt who wouldn't have done so anyway, and in the process thinking, "That'll show those anti-Tory bastards"

Anyway, someone has just posted 20 minutes of peak Hoggy

[Tichtheid]

Serious question, I've seen Andy Irvine play, I've seen Big Gav play and I've seen Stuart Hogg play.

There are others of course, but those would be my top three I've seen play fullback for Scotland, who is your pick for the Scotland All Time team?

Gun to head, I think I'd still plump for Irvine. This in no way denigrates the other two.

[Big D]

Disappointed he's retired but obviously have to do what's best for yourself. All the best Hoggy.


Really like the new straps, only complaint is lack of collar.

I really think the political furore is going to impact the sales figures. As someone commented on FB, the decision to make the announcement about the board appointments a few days before launching the new kit is incomprehensibly stupid.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it has the opposite effect to be honest. A lot of supporters thoroughly pissed off with all the noise from folk who have never seen a rugby game in their life, petitions etc, and will buy a top

I doubt most care about it tbh.

Plenty won't know what a non exec director role is and many signing petitions of any favour probably don't watch rugby (plenty will of course).

[Yr Alban]

Serious question, I've seen Andy Irvine play, I've seen Big Gav play and I've seen Stuart Hogg play.

There are others of course, but those would be my top three I've seen play fullback for Scotland, who is your pick for the Scotland All Time team?

Gun to head, I think I'd still plump for Irvine. This in no way denigrates the other two.

Hard! I never really saw Irvine play, so it’s between the other two for me, and I’d struggle. Hoggy definitely the more entertaining of the two, but Gav the better defender.

[Slick]

Serious question, I've seen Andy Irvine play, I've seen Big Gav play and I've seen Stuart Hogg play.

There are others of course, but those would be my top three I've seen play fullback for Scotland, who is your pick for the Scotland All Time team?

Gun to head, I think I'd still plump for Irvine. This in no way denigrates the other two.

Almost couldn’t be a more “era” question

I saw Andy Irvine play bit don’t really remember it, but speak to anyone of that era and he is poetry.

Hastings was my hero growing up, and still is. Respected by every rugby person around the world and a Lions captain.

Hogg is my modern hero, for what he did when we were at a low ebb, and in a modern connected world to still be respected says it all. But also in this modern world scrutinised beyond the rest and not so universally respected.

I’m stopping myself typing, but I’m going Hoggy

[LenCohen]

That is some highlights package

[Big D]

Didn't see Irvine but Hogg carried the weight of the nation from a young age and thrived in a period that he had very little supporting cast at the beginning.

He had his petulant moments but he has been our most important player of the pro era for sure.

His defence wasn't amazing but by we'll miss that beautiful spiral kick just as much as his attacking prowess.

[dkm57]

Memorable Scottish Fbs in my timw have been Dodds, Irving, Hastings and Hoggy. Irving and Hastings were out of the same mould, nearest nowadays would be BK. I'd choose Hoggy from the three mentioned. I think BK will be an excellent FB, with Ollie Smith a more than adequate option.

[robmatic]

Didn't see Irvine but Hogg carried the weight of the nation from a young age and thrived in a period that he had very little supporting cast at the beginning.

He had his petulant moments but he has been our most important player of the pro era for sure.

His defence wasn't amazing but by we'll miss that beautiful spiral kick just as much as his attacking prowess.

He came on the scene after a period of genuine dearth in quality of Scottish backs. We are relatively spoiled now in comparison, such that it's not actually a crisis that he won't go to the World Cup, when it would have been a huge blow before. Like others, I'm pretty comfortable with BK slotting in, as he's a more than decent player, and Ollie Smith is looking pretty promising at international level as well.

[westport]

Andy Irvine was excellent but he says he wasn't a patch on Ken Scotland (way before my time but met him many times and was a lovely guy).

You would have to add Mossy to the list as well.

[Tichtheid]

Andy Irvine was excellent but he says he wasn't a patch on Ken Scotland (way before my time but met him many times and was a lovely guy).

You would have to add Mossy to the list as well.

Andy Irvine is a nice guy. I've also heard great things about Ken Scotland, but Irvine made Bill McLaren's All-Time World XV. It's a real shame Bill didn't get to see another two local laddies in Hogg and Graham play international rugby, I'm sure he would have delighted in their play privately, whilst calling it from an entirely neutral point of view in the commentary box.

[Big D]

Didn't see Irvine but Hogg carried the weight of the nation from a young age and thrived in a period that he had very little supporting cast at the beginning.

He had his petulant moments but he has been our most important player of the pro era for sure.

His defence wasn't amazing but by we'll miss that beautiful spiral kick just as much as his attacking prowess.

He came on the scene after a period of genuine dearth in quality of Scottish backs. We are relatively spoiled now in comparison, such that it's not actually a crisis that he won't go to the World Cup, when it would have been a huge blow before. Like others, I'm pretty comfortable with BK slotting in, as he's a more than decent player, and Ollie Smith is looking pretty promising at international level as well.

I think it is a huge blow to be honest. In the world cup against two massive teams and a tasty Tonga team field position is going to be massive. In the away wins in London and Paris Hogg and FInn dictated the game with their boot at times. Kinghorn and Smith just aren't close to Hogg IMO in that regard.

[Big D]

Andy Irvine was excellent but he says he wasn't a patch on Ken Scotland (way before my time but met him many times and was a lovely guy).

You would have to add Mossy to the list as well.

I think Hogg is a step up on Mossy and Metcalfe. Both were good but Hogg is a good bit ahead of both IMO.

[Tichtheid]

I wonder if Kinghorn will now start all the summer games, just to get his eye in? Or at least the first three. Before Hogg's retirement I would have though both Kinghorn and Smith would have had a decent amount of game time. I think this also moves Healy up a rung, assuming Hastings is still injured.

[I like neeps]

I wonder if Kinghorn will now start all the summer games, just to get his eye in? Or at least the first three. Before Hogg's retirement I would have though both Kinghorn and Smith would have had a decent amount of game time. I think this also moves Healy up a rung, assuming Hastings is still injured.

I presume Smith and Kinghorn will start two each. But as said not too sure what we've ordained someone starting 15 who hasn't played there for two years and was moved to 10 by the national coach over someone who has played 15 for two years at a high level including for Scotland in his limited appearances.

I think it's a classic case of we haven't seen a player for some time (Kinghorn at 15) and in the culture wars of his he's not a 10 has been elevated to a level of performance he'd not shown at 15 for a few years.

[Tichtheid]

I wonder if Kinghorn will now start all the summer games, just to get his eye in? Or at least the first three. Before Hogg's retirement I would have though both Kinghorn and Smith would have had a decent amount of game time. I think this also moves Healy up a rung, assuming Hastings is still injured.

I presume Smith and Kinghorn will start two each. But as said not too sure what we've ordained someone starting 15 who hasn't played there for two years and was moved to 10 by the national coach over someone who has played 15 for two years at a high level including for Scotland in his limited appearances.

I think it's a classic case of we haven't seen a player for some time (Kinghorn at 15) and in the culture wars of his he's not a 10 has been elevated to a level of performance he'd not shown at 15 for a few years.

I was more going on the fact that Kinghorn subbed for Hogg three times in the Six Nations and once for Steyn before starting at ten against Italy, also on the fact that he played really well when he came on.

I know it really rankles with many Glasgow fans but Townsend rates Kinghorn.

I like Smith and I hope he and Kinghorn push each other for the jersey, but as long as Townsend is selecting the team I expect Kinghorn to be in or around it, no matter where he's playing for Edinburgh