Stuart Hogg
The controversy isn’t over. Stuart Hogg’s harassment order case could see major changes soon. Stuart Hogg Instagram @stuarthogg21

For former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg, the initial intent he had was to continue carrying out his duty as a parent. But because of issues between the 33-year-old and his ex-wife, a non-harassment order stood in the way.

Regardless, the former Glasgow Warriors player resorted to other means, probably thinking that communicating with his former partner, Gillian Smith, through a co-parenting phone app was harmless. Unfortunately he thought wrong.

It turns out that this is also considered a violation of the non-harassment order involving Smith. Hence, he was arrested on 12 February in the Hawick area of the Scottish Borders for breaching that arrangement. However, he was eventually released without charge, per a report by BBC News.

What Triggered Harrassment Order

The origins of the harassment order date back to February 2024. This was when Hogg was acting in a threatening and abusive manner outside the residence of Smith's home in Hawick. He was arrested for causing fear and alarm in a threatening or abusive manner, according to the Southern Reporter. He was released not long after and attended a rehabilitation centre.

Later that year, he pleaded guilty to a domestic abuse charge against his estranged wife. Aside from shouting and swearing in an abusive manner, Hogg admitted that he repeatedly tracked Smith's movements while also sending her distressing messages.

That included sending 200 messages in a couple of hours per another BBC report in November 2024. The former rugby captain would subsequently be banned from contacting Gillian for five years after that domestic abuse admission.

His latest arrest occurred on 12 February for reportedly breaching a non-harassment order. However, he would later be released without charge.

In an effort to clear the air, Hogg shed some light on that February arrest. He said that no criminal charges were made against him and that he had cooperated with authorities and will continue to respect the legal process.

'The truth of the situation will come through the proper legal channels rather than speculation,' Hogg posted on social media or X. 'I am first and foremost a father and a professional rugby player. My focus remains on my children, my career and moving forward.'

Amendments to Hogg Harassment Order Sought

According to the Scottish Sun, Hogg's harassment order does not entirely prohibit him from contacting his wife. However, the limitation is that their conversation should be strictly about their four children. The 33-year-old is not allowed to talk to Smith about personal subjects.

'He is allowed to message Gillian over an app to discuss only the kids, but once again, he's given an inch and taken a mile,' an unnamed source claimed.

In an effort to end the discrepancies, lawyers are reportedly set to call for an amendment to that order. If approved, this will cease all communications between Hogg and Smith. This also means that any communication that the disgraced rugby player would want to convey to his ex-wife will need to be channelled through lawyers.

'She's hoping the order can be amended so that he will only be able to contact her through lawyers from now on,' the source added.

It was not mentioned when lawyers would file the amendment to that harassment order of Hogg. But with multiple arrests because of alleged breaches, the solution could very well be the best one to avoid future legal matters.

Writer's pick