Sam Simmonds has delivered an update on former Scotland international Stuart Hogg as he prepared to make his long-awaited return to top-level rugby.
The 32-year-old retired from professional rugby around a year ago after failing to overcome an injury before the Rugby World Cup in France.
Within the last couple of months, Hogg joined Montpellier, as the ex-Exeter fullback aims to help the team reach the top of French rugby.
While having not played for over a year, Hogg was also brought in from the cold with the outcome of a domestic abuse trial surrounding him.
“With Anthony Bouthier out for some time after ACL surgery, Hoggy is going to bring something we don’t really have at the club with the way he attacks and kicks from the backfield,” Simmonds told Planet Rugby.
“I’m pretty excited to play with him again to be honest. Hopefully, he’ll open up some holes for me as he did in the past.
“A year out is not ideal and believe me this heat takes a bit of getting used to, but his time away could help him in the long run. From what I’ve seen in training he’s buzzing. I know how good he was and what a talent he is from playing with him at Exeter.
“I’ve heard some of the boys after seeing him train say ‘bloody hell he’s good’. Of course, he is. He’s a 100-cap international.”
