Hogg deserves shot at the top
It’s quite rare these days that Scotland can claim to have the best player in the world in any team sport.
In Stuart Hogg that claim can be made with some very strong evidence.
The flying full back’s incredible performances have seen him twice crowned Six Nations player of the tournament – in 2016 and 2017 – outshining the best that France, England, Ireland andwales had to offer.
The jewel in Glasgow Warriors’crown, he was also a vital cog in the side that lifted the Pro12 title in 2015 – helping them become the first Scottish team to win a major trophy in rugby union’s professional era.
His sparkling form for club and country also saw him called up for British Lions duty in 2013 and 2017.
The announcement of his departure when his contract ends in July, shortly after Scotland despatched Fiji at Murrayfield on Saturday, dampened the spirit of the eight-try win remarkably.
But after nine years at the club and more than 100 appearances, it’s difficult for anyone to argue that Hoggy hasn’t fully earned his move to the comparitive riches of the English Premiership or French top flight.
Following in the footsteps of Scotland’s other superstar players Greig Laidlaw and Finn Russell, the 26-year-old is more than ready to mix it with the world’s elite in the English Premiership or Frenchtop14.
Exeter Chiefs are the lucky club to bag the sensational runner, and while they don’t have the history or high regard of Saracens or Harlequins, they certainly have the attacking game to suit the fleet-footed Borderer.
Not only do they attack in style, they’ve also topped the Premiership the last two years, winning in 2017 and only losing out in the final to Saracens this year.
They also currently sit top of the division after six games this season.
The Hawick man always hinted his family would be vital in any decision to leave Glasgow.
And his move to Exeter would certainly upset the apple cart less than a move to France – where a link-up with former Scotland coachvern Cotter at Montpellier had been rumoured.
It would take a fool to bet against Stuart lighting up the league when he touches down in England after a (hopefully successful)world Cup
Fans should rejoice they got to see the star
campaign.
And while thewarriors will undoubtedly mourn his move, the club and their fans should rejoice that they got to see the star being born.
He lit up Scotstoun on so many occasions, and has been the catalyst for the incredible turnaround which now sees Scotland head to Japan as genuine World Cup contenders.
After all – it is better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all.
And the silver lining is that withwarriors currently leading the Guinness Pro14 and second in their Heineken Champions Cup pool, there is every chance Hoggy could sign off his Glasgow career with an almighty bang.