Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg’s royal honor has been revoked by King Charles

Former Scotland rugby star Stuart Hogg has had his royal honor revoked after pleading guilty to domestic abuse charges involving his ex-wife, British authorities announced Thursday.

The prestigious Member of the British Empire (MBE) distinction, which Hogg received in December 2023 for his contributions to rugby, has been officially “cancelled and annulled” by King Charles III according to The Gazette, Britain’s official public record.

Hogg, 33, admitted to a pattern of abusive behavior that included verbal harassment, monitoring his then-wife’s whereabouts, and sending threatening text messages over a five-year period. In January 2025, a court sentenced him to a community service order with one year of supervision.

The case represents a dramatic fall from grace for one of Scotland’s most celebrated rugby figures. Hogg enjoyed an illustrious career, reaching the milestone of 100 appearances for his national team before retiring from international competition in 2023. The talented fullback had been appointed Scotland captain in 2020, a reflection of his standing in the sport.

Following his initial retirement announcement, Hogg later resumed his professional career with French club Montpellier, though his comeback was hampered when he tore his Achilles tendon in April, sidelining him from competition.

The MBE, which ranks behind the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) and Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the British honors system, is awarded for “outstanding achievement or service to the community that has had a long-term, significant impact,” according to The Gazette’s definition. The honor is traditionally presented at Buckingham Palace during special investiture ceremonies.

The revocation of such honors is relatively rare and underscores the seriousness with which authorities viewed Hogg’s domestic abuse conviction. The British honors system maintains strict standards for recipients, with conduct deemed to bring the system into disrepute potentially resulting in forfeiture.

This incident comes amid increased scrutiny of domestic abuse cases involving high-profile athletes and celebrities. Sports governing bodies worldwide have strengthened their policies regarding player conduct off the field, with many implementing more comprehensive background checks and character assessments before bestowing major awards or leadership positions.

The Scottish Rugby Union has not issued an official statement regarding Hogg’s conviction or the revocation of his MBE. Throughout his career, Hogg was widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation, known for his explosive pace and creative attacking skills.

Domestic abuse prevention advocates have pointed to cases like Hogg’s as important examples of accountability regardless of public status or achievement. Organizations working with survivors emphasize that such high-profile cases can help raise awareness about the pervasiveness of domestic abuse across all segments of society.

Hogg has maintained a low profile since his sentencing. His representatives have not responded to requests for comment regarding the forfeiture of his royal honor.

The former rugby star’s legal troubles have cast a shadow over what had been considered one of the most successful Scottish rugby careers in recent memory. Before these revelations, Hogg was widely celebrated for his achievements on the pitch, including multiple appearances for the prestigious British and Irish Lions touring side.

Hogg’s former club teammates and the wider rugby community have largely remained silent on the matter, though the sport continues to grapple with questions about player conduct and the responsibilities that come with being role models in the public eye.