Former Scotland rugby star Stuart Hogg appears in court and admits breach of bail conditions - two months after he was accused of abusing wife

Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg spent a night in police cells after sending his estranged wife 'unpleasant' text messages.

The 32-year-old admitted breaching a court order not to have any contact with Gillian Hogg during an appearance at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

He accepted that he had repeatedly contacted Mrs Hogg when a court order was in place prohibiting him from doing so.

Scotland's all-time leading try-scorer was granted bail again so he can be the best man at his older brother Graham's wedding this weekend.

But Sheriff Kevin McCarron warned the sportsman that it was 'highly unlikely' he would be granted bail in the future if there was any repeat of his behaviour.

Sheriff McCarron said that due to Hogg's lack of previous convictions he was persuaded to release him on bail, adding: 'Let there be no doubt - no contact means no contact, invited or otherwise.'

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said the mother of Hogg's four children initially contacted him to discuss financial issues on June 26.

He said: 'What thereafter happens is that she has posted a video on social media which has struck a cord with Mr Hogg and, after consuming alcohol and feeling emotional, he has texted her.'

Mr Patrick said there was nothing threatening in the messages but accepted they were 'unpleasant' and inappropriate in the circumstances.

He added: 'I have spoken to him and explained the serious position he has put himself in. He has had a night in the cells - he has never had that experience before.'

Hogg pleaded guilty to breaching the bail condition set at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on May 7 by repeatedly contacting Mrs Hogg between June 26 and June 30.

Prosecutor India McLean, prosecuting, said: 'The messages are not threatening but they are not pleasant. One can describe them as abusive. There are a lot of them.'

Hogg was granted bail to his brother's home address in Hawick and the case was continued until July 15 when Hogg has an intermediate trial diet at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

He has previously pleaded not guilty to a charge of stalking and also an offence under section one of the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act relating to his behaviour towards Mrs Hogg, who he is separated from.

A trial date was fixed for July 30 and he was released on bail with special conditions not to contact his former partner and to stay away from her address near Hawick, Roxburghshire.

Hogg is charged with stalking by engaging in a course of conduct which caused his wife Gillian fear and alarm at properties in Glasgow and Hawick between January 2017 and March 2019.

It is alleged he shouted and swore at her and acted in an aggressive manner, repeatedly accused her of infidelity, repeatedly tracked her movements, monitored her communication with others and repeatedly attempted to control family life.

The second charge under the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act alleges similar conduct, between April 2019 and March 2024, at properties in Hawick and Devon.

It contains an additional allegation that he repeatedly sent her messages of an alarming and distressing nature whereby he made threats to harm himself.

The third charge against Hogg alleges that he had been released on an undertaking not to approach Mrs Hogg in any way apart from arranging child contact, but it is claimed that he contacted her on March 30 this year at her home near Hawick.

Hogg retired from rugby union prior to last year's World Cup having amassed a century of senior caps and been involved in three British and Irish Lions tours.

He is Scotland's all-time leading try scorer and won national and European titles with both Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs.

Hogg was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New year Honours List for services to rugby union.

The fullback and flyhalf split from his wife last year.

Shortly after their youngest child was born in November it emerged he had been dating jockey turned TV presenter Leonna Mayor.

Ms Mayor, once dubbed the 'world's sexiest jockey', shared pictures on social media of herself and Hogg. The pair also recently enjoyed a holiday in Turkey.

Earlier this year Hogg revealed on social media he had spent time in rehab.

He said going to the facility had 'not been easy but it was the right thing to do' and thanked those who helped him in 'the darkest of times'.

Defence solicitor revealed yesterday Mr Hogg was due to travel to France later this month after securing a two-year playing contract which would provide him a source of income.

He is set come out of retirement and join French side Montpellier and will be paid a reported £350,000 year.

■ Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport