Stuart Hogg back in the saddle after 5-month break

Controversial ex-Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg will start at full-back for Montpellier in Saturday’s final Top 14 fixture away to Lyon, marking his first start in the competition since January.

Hogg was sprung from the bench last weekend against Pau and scored a try, but this weekend marks his first start in five months.

The 33-year-old, who has 100 Test caps, has not been named in the run-on side since the round 16 win over Stade Français on January 31, when he sustained a thigh injury.

His return comes as Montpellier attempt to secure second place in the standings, which carries automatic qualification to the Top 14 semi-finals. They are level on points with third-placed Stade Français, who face La Rochelle in the final round.

Hogg’s career since moving to France has admittedly been blighted by injuries, not to mention scandals off the field.

Last season, after making 15 appearances, he suffered a serious Achilles tendon rupture against Perpignan on April 26. He returned to action last November against Clermont but has since dealt with further fitness setbacks.

Away from the game, Hogg issued a public statement in March addressing media reports following confirmation from Police Scotland that he had been re-arrested in relation to an alleged breach of a non-harassment order concerning his ex-partner. He was released without charge.

Hogg said there had been “no criminal charges” arising from the matter and described aspects of the media coverage as “false and defamatory”. He stated he had cooperated fully with Police Scotland and emphasised that he is unable to comment in detail due to ongoing private family proceedings.

The full-back added that his focus remains on his children and his professional career.

Earlier that same month Hogg had suffered the ignominy of being stripped of his MBE after a formal order from King Charles.

He is also scrubbed from the official honours register. The decision was confirmed in a notice published in the official Gazette, the UK’s public record of state appointments and honours.