Ex-Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg made an MBE in new year honours

The Hawick 31-year-old is one of two ex-Scottish skippers recognised in King Charles III’s new years honours list along with Rob Wainwright.

The Borderer’s honour follows his retirement as a player in July after turning out for Hawick, Stirling County, Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs, as well as becoming his country’s all-time leading try-scorer with 27 touchdowns.

Hogg, now a television pundit, says he was surprised to be made an MBE, telling Scottish Rugby’s website: “When I first heard the news, I thought it was a wind-up, so I was straight on the phone to the number and I was told ‘don’t worry, Mr Hogg, you’re not the first person to think that!’

“I am absolutely delighted, pretty emotional and overwhelmed. I never thought anything like that would come my way.

“It’s massive, coming having called time on my career, which was a tough decision but also, I believe, the right decision.”

Hawick are among those to have applauded the former British and Irish Lion on his honour, posting on their Facebook page: “Many congratulations from everyone connected with Hawick to Stuart Hogg, and his family, on his being made a Member of the British Empire in the new years honours list.”

Perth-born Wainwright, capped 37 times between 1992 and 1998, was given the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his fundraising for late Borders rugby legend Doddie Weir’s motor neurone disease charity.

The 58-year-old, now a farmer on the Isle of Coll, founded the annual Doddie active inter-district challenge in aid of his former team-mate’s My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, set up by ex-Melrose and Scotland lock Weir, of Blainslie, following his diagnosis with MND in 2016.

“This is a tremendous honour and it’s one I accept on behalf of the whole Doddie Aid community,” he said.

“Doddie was a force of nature and I was very proud to call him a friend.

“Like everyone who he knew, who he inspired, I have been galvanised to do whatever I can to end MND.

“I’ve still got a huge hunger to push forward our determination to find a cure for MND.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in supporting Doddie Aid, most importantly my wife Romayne and Doddie for being the man and friend he was and the inspiration he continues to be.”

UK Government Scottish Secretary Alister Jack congratulated Hogg and Wainwright on their honours, saying: “My warmest congratulations go to all the Scottish recipients of the King’s new year honours.

“Scots are well represented in his majesty’s list, which showcases the best of Scottish talent, including sport, the arts, community, education, business, charity, policing and healthcare.

“Scottish rugby centurion Stuart Hogg, who announced his retirement earlier this year, is rightly celebrated for his services to the game.

“Former Scotland rugby captain Rob Wainwright is also honoured for his extraordinary work raising money for research into motor neurone disease through the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.”

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation chief executive officer Jill Douglas added: “Rob Wainwright is a remarkable individual.

“His energy, loyalty, commitment and dedication to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is outstanding and mirror the passion he displayed as a rugby player and Scotland captain.

“I can think of no one better deserving of an honour than Rob.

“He is a true force of nature and a true friend to Doddie, the foundation and the MND community and we’ll all be raising a glass to this great news.”