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'Really hurt': Stuart Hogg breaks silence over Exeter, Lions axe
Scotland captain Stuart Hogg revealed he has been working closely with the national team’s mindset coach to help him recover from a demoralising summer that left him at a low ebb after missing out on end to the Exeter Premiership season and then being dropped for the British and Irish Lions Test series decider against South Africa in August.
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The 29-year-old praised Scotland wellness coach Ben Scott for helping him improve his mental health and get back into a more positive frame of mind. The full-back said: “We have seen some examples over the last year or so in the Olympics and huge occasions like that where people haven’t quite been able to be themselves and perform to the highest of their ability because the mental side of the game isn’t where it needs to be.
“We are very fortunate that we have Ben Scott within the camp. He has worked wonders with us individually and as a team. We are learning all the time about the different things that help us with our mindset and our mental health and it is something more and more boys are tapping into. He’s been absolutely tremendous.
“For me, he has made a massive difference since the Lions tour to help get me to where I am now. I had spoken to him a few times before, but mainly since the Lions tour. I was struggling with how the end of last season finished.
“I was dropped for the semi-final and the final for the Chiefs and then wasn’t selected for the third Test (with the Lions) and that is something that really hurt me. I wanted to do something that would make a difference, to get away from those mindsets and what I was thinking then. The main message we get from Ben is that if you can get your best person, it brings out your best player.
"All that Stuart needs to know from me…"
– The Scotland captain twice started for the Lions versus the Springboks but he went to South Africa having been benched by Exeter for their Premiership final and semi-final #Lions #Exeter #SALvEXE https://t.co/Ma9fLYBSe5
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 30, 2021
“We were told on Monday that performance is 90 per cent about mental health, which is hugely exciting because we can tap more into it. I have learned from Ben that the brain is a wonderful thing and I’m really looking forward to working closely with him for a number of years to come.” After taking some extra time off following his return to club rugby at Exeter to help revive himself mentally and physically, Hogg declared that he is now “ready to rock and roll again” as he prepares to lead Scotland in the upcoming autumn Tests.
He said: “I’m feeling very well. I have really enjoyed my rugby over the last few weeks. I have played four games for Exeter this season and I have absolutely loved it. I had a good holiday and I worked incredibly hard to get back in shape, and I’m ready to rock and roll again. After we came back from (the Lions) tour, we had a compulsory ten days’ isolation and after that, we were supposed to start training again for the new season.
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“I just felt that I was physically and mentally drained after having a season-and-a-half squeezed into a year. After the Lions, I felt I needed an extended break. Rob Baxter and the rest of the team at Exeter gave me another couple of weeks off so I was extremely grateful for that. It was massive. It allowed me to spend more time with my wife and kids who I hadn’t been around all summer. I just felt refreshed and energised and ready to go again.
“I have managed to drop about five kilos in weight. I have looked after my body a lot better over the past couple of months, just trying to get myself in the best place physically and mentally to go out there and perform. I have enjoyed the last month or so back in with Exeter and I’m very much looking forward to getting involved with Scotland now,” concluded Hogg.
Sportsmanship at its finest ?#EXEvHAR #GallagherPremFinal #LionsRugby
https://t.co/CO868drKoP— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 26, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
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