“My problem was my head”, “I cried at the end”: Stuart Hogg's words after MHR's victory against ASM Clermont

Stuart Hogg was one of the key players in MHR's victory in Clermont (18-22) this Saturday, December 28. He spoke for the first time since his arrival in Montpellier last July.

The shadows, then the light. Just like his career. Stuart Hogg, initially sluggish (he was penalized for talking to the referee, was passive on ASM's disallowed try), was ultimately the man of the match for Montpellier against Clermont. Two fifty-meter penalties in the second half ultimately allowed MHR to definitively take the score and win (18-22).

“Stuart is a bit like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. We know that he is an exceptional player. He brings us a lot on and off the pitch”, declared Joan Caudullo, the manager, after the match.

For the first time since his arrival in France, he answered our questions.

It was a real test that you passed with flying colours. What are your thoughts? ?

It was very good. We had targeted this week, this stadium. We wanted to perform. We knew we could win if we stuck to the plan. The guys are very happy.

Personally, how do you feel in this team?

I love it. I got a new life with this team. The guys were incredibly welcoming. They supported me throughout the game. Joan (Caudullo, manager) and Bernard (Laporte) gave me an opportunity. I am incredibly grateful.

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Do you like this number 10 position??

Yes! It's been a long time since I played in this position but I do everything I can to help the team. It hasn't been perfect, but it's a lot of fun.

Tonight, you showed two different faces. You get penalized for talking to the referee, then you score decisive penalties in tricky positions…

Yes, I’ve always been a bit on the edge. I have to adapt to the French style. I talk too much. I’m passionate, I get carried away sometimes. I have to calm down.

Is it a big win for the team tonight ?

Oh yes. After the season, it's a new life. Everyone is enjoying themselves. We work really hard, and it's to have these kinds of wins like tonight. Now, focus on Bayonne. We can't wait.

“I've always wanted to play in France”

You, Billy Vunipola, Cobus Reinach… What do you bring to the group ?

We're already doing our job. There's a lot of experience, it's true, we try to guide as best we can. We give our opinion at key moments, saying how we can improve. But there are many other guys who bring that like Lenni (Nouchi) and Arthur (Vincent). I always learn things, even if I've been on the field for a long time.

I always wanted to play in France. I always wanted to come here. That’s one of the reasons I’m trying the hardest. I’m really enjoying myself.

How did you react when Montpellier contacted you to bring you out of retirement??

I learned a lot from last year. I said my body was the problem. In reality, it was my head. I worked a lot, with a lot of people, to become better. I made a lot of mistakes. I learned from them. This is an opportunity for me to show who I am.

I am very grateful. I learned a lot physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was in tears after the game because it meant a lot. I want to be part of a winning team. I say it again, I am grateful.

What does it feel like to be coached by a young staff? ?

It's great. They gave me the opportunity to play. Benoît (Paillaugue) and Doum (Geoffrey Doumayrou) told me their strategy, we talked, they offered me to play at fly-half, to have responsibilities. I'm still learning, even though they're young, they're doing a good job.