Ex-rugby star Hogg: I’ve been in rehab after ‘darkest of times’

FORMER Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has revealed he has spent time in rehab after going through the ‘darkest of times’.

The father of four yesterday told fans he had spent time at a facility, with the emotional revelation coming just months after he split from his wife.

Hogg, 31, said going to rehab had ‘not been easy but it was the right thing to do’ and thanked those who had helped him ‘through the darkest of times’.

Last night, in a social media post, the former full-back revealed: ‘I was lost, needed help, direction, time away from the spotlight to be able to take a deep breath and think.

‘I’ve been so concerned about what people thought of me, how I was coming across, the impact I would have on them and how I would survive the day.

‘I lived every moment in my head and it wasn’t healthy.

‘Spending time at a rehabilitation centre allowed me to reset, learn about myself and talk about how I felt, without being judged.

It’s not been easy but it was the right thing to do.

‘Taking accountability was the first step in the right direction. I accept I have made mistakes and understand why I acted as I did.’

The TV pundit has four children with his wife, Gillian, but the couple split last year.

They had married at Barony Castle in Peeblesshire in 2016. Days after their youngest child was born in November it emerged he had been dating jockey turned TV presenter Leonna Mayor.

Ms Mayor, who was described as the ‘world’s sexiest jockey’ by a lads’ magazine in 2013, shared pictures on social media of herself and Hogg.

When he and his wife separated the rumour mill in his Roxburghshire hometown of Hawick went into overdrive, and social media was awash with speculation about his private life.

And last night Hogg admitted: ‘Personal, private issues being played out in the public eye and online abuse are things that have impacted me significantly. I’ve not been able to deal with it.

‘Having some time away has allowed me to see the world differently, be grateful for the things I have and most importantly, be excited about what is in front of me.

‘Thank you to everyone who has been in touch and offered support, friendship and love.

‘You have helped me through the darkest of times and I will look forward to embracing what is next with you all.’

Hogg, who received an MBE in the New Year honours list, retired from rugby last July.

‘I accept I have made mistakes’