One year and two days after announcing his retirement from rugby, Stuart Hogg's return to the game has been confirmed.
Montpellier have announced they have signed the former Scotland captain as a "medical joker" and will provide cover for injured France fullback Anthony Bouthier
Hogg, who won 100 caps for Scotland and three on the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, could make his competitive debut on September 7 when Montpellier host Lyon in their Top 14 opener.
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The 32-year-old had intended to retire after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but announced on July 9 last year he would be retiring immediately.
At the time, Hogg said his body could no longer cope with the effects of playing rugby at the highest level.
Hogg has experienced a turbulent year since announcing his retirement from playing. In April, he revealed he had spent time in a rehabilitation centre.
At the time, he said: "Spending time at a rehabilitation centre allowed me to reset, learn about myself and talk about how I felt, without being judged."
Stuart Hogg will join Montpellier for next season (Image: SNS)
Last month, Hogg pleaded guilty in court to breaching bail conditions ahead of his trial over domestic abuse allegations against his estranged wife
He previously appeared in court charged with acting in an abusive manner towards his estranged wife, having been arrested outside a house in Hawick in February.
Hogg pleaded not guilty to that charge and a trial is due to begin later this month.
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