Call for Hogg to be stripped of MBE reasonable - FM

The first minister has said calls for Stuart Hogg to be stripped of his MBE are "reasonable and understandable".

Speaking after the former Scotland rugby union captain was given a one-year community payback order, John Swinney said the domestic abuse perpetrated by Hogg against his estranged wife was "incredibly disappointing".

The rugby player admitted shouting and swearing at his ex-partner, tracking her movements and sending her messages which were alarming and distressing in nature.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has called for the rugby player's MBE, awarded in last year's New Year Honours list, to be stripped from him.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, John Swinney said: "I think it's absolutely reprehensible for men to behave badly in any circumstance of life and one example of that will be domestic abuse."

One of his responsibilities as a male first minister, he said, was to provide "leadership" for men to "behave better in our society".

Mr Swinney, however, refused to be drawn on whether the sentencing of Hogg - who was also given a non-harassment order barring him from contacting or approaching his ex-partner for five years - was too lenient.

"Please don't take it from me that I'm dismissing your concerns - I just don't think it's really appropriate for the first minister to comment about sentencing decisions," he said.

The full-back was previously given a five-year non-harassment order and fined £600 after breaching bail conditions.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Flynn said the player should have his MBE taken off him.

Asked if he agreed, the first minister said: "I think that's a reasonable and understandable call."

Hogg remains one of Scotland's all-time leading try scorers and was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year honours list for services to rugby union.

The former Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs full back came out of retirement last summer to sign a two-year contract with French side Montpellier, where he still plays.

Montpellier Rugby Club have made no official statement but the BBC understands that the club want him to carry on playing for them.

Last year, the 32-year-old, who is in the process of getting a divorce, admitted a single charge which related to repeated abusive behaviour towards his now estranged wife, Gillian.

Over a five-year period, up to August last year, he engaged in a course of conduct which caused her fear or alarm.

The court previously heard how he regularly shouted and swore at his wife while they lived in Hawick, as well as when they lived in Exeter.