LONDON (Journos News) – Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has been stripped of his Member of the British Empire (MBE) honor following a criminal conviction related to abuse of his estranged wife, according to official records released Thursday.
The revocation was directed by King Charles III, with the decision formally published in the United Kingdom’s official public record, The Gazette.
Royal Honor Cancelled After Conviction
Hogg, 33, had been awarded the MBE in December 2023 for services to rugby union. However, the honor was “cancelled and annulled” after he pleaded guilty in 2024 to a charge involving abusive behavior toward his then-estranged wife.
Prosecutors said the conduct spanned approximately five years and included shouting and swearing, tracking her movements, and sending alarming text messages.
In January 2025, Hogg received a community payback order — a form of community service — along with one year of supervision as part of his sentence.
Rugby Career and International Record
Hogg was one of Scotland’s most recognizable rugby players during the 2010s and early 2020s. Playing primarily as a fullback, he earned 100 international appearances for Scotland national rugby union team before initially retiring from professional rugby in 2023.
He also served as team captain beginning in 2020.
Later that year, Hogg returned to professional competition after signing with French club Montpellier Hérault Rugby. His comeback was interrupted in April when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon.
Significance of the MBE
The MBE is part of the British honors system under the Order of the British Empire, recognizing significant contributions to society.
According to official guidance, it is the third-ranking honor within the order — below Commander (CBE) and Officer (OBE) — and is typically awarded for outstanding achievements or long-term service to a community or field.
Revocation of such honors is rare and generally occurs following criminal convictions or actions deemed incompatible with the standards of the award.
