Secret girlfriend has broken her silence about former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg

11/09/2024 05:47 AM

Stuart Hogg, the Scottish rugby sensation with 100 caps to his name, has found himself at the center of serious allegations.

Jilly O’Donnell, 47, claims that the star led a secret double life for three years while married. O’Donnell says she only discovered Hogg was still committed to his wife, Gillian, when he appeared on TV to announce the couple were expecting their fourth child together.

Hogg, now 32, pleaded guilty this week to a charge of domestic abuse against Gillian, the mother of his children. As the divorce proceedings unfold, his career and reputation hang in the balance. The Scottish rugby world waits for more revelations about the life of one of their most celebrated, yet troubled, players.

She told The Daily Record: "We confided in each other, became best friends. He became everything to me. He would often tell me he liked that we had skin-on-skin contact, he missed that contact with another human being.

“Over three years we would meet up for walks, go hiking across Dartmoor, message, call, FaceTime all the time. 

"We would go swimming every morning before he headed to work. He would call me from the dressing room and immediately after a big Scotland game.

“He would stay out drinking for hours and I'd pick him up at 5am with a drink in his hand. I had no reason to believe he had anyone else to go home to and that he was still happily married. I was naïve."

Jilly added: "I was so shocked, I had no idea. We had been seeing each other plenty of times before he had moved. But he told me: 'You know what I'm like when I'm drunk' and said he wouldn't put me through all this if he didn't think we had a future and wanted to be with me."

From Court to Cradle: Hogg’s Baby News with ‘World’s Sexiest Jockey’

Amid the legal turmoil, there's a silver lining for Hogg, as his girlfriend, TV presenter Leonna Mayor, recently revealed that she's pregnant with their child.

Mayor, who's made waves in both the racing world and as a presenter for ITV and Sky Sports, took to Instagram in September to share the exciting news. Posting a baby scan photo alongside a cheeky caption, Mayor announced, "I'm not a fan of surprises but this one is defo growing on me (literally)," confirming they are expecting a boy.

Racing Career to Rugby Romance

Mayor's romance with the former Scotland captain first hit the spotlight in November 2023, when she posted a loved-up snap of the two with the caption, "the least Mondayest Monday ever," alongside the song 'Better Together.'

Now, as the couple prepares for the arrival of their baby boy, Hogg's legal challenges continue to cloud what should be a joyous time for the pair. The question remains: how will the upcoming trial impact the former rugby star's new chapter as a father once again?

Five richest rugby couples:

Johnny and Laura Sexton – £6m

Together since their teens, Johnny Sexton and his wife Laura are one of rugby's wealthiest couples. Known for their close-knit family, with three children often seen pitchside, the Sextons met at Rathgar Tennis Club and tied the knot in 2013. From Dublin's Saint Mary's College to University College Dublin, Johnny and Laura have been through it all. Their story, filled with love and commitment, has captivated fans just as much as Johnny's rugby career.

Siya and Rachel Kolisi – £10m

With an empire worth an estimated £10 million, Siya and Rachel Kolisi were not just a power couple but partners in philanthropy. Known for their foundation and work in communities, the couple planned to keep collaborating on their projects, even as they transition to a new chapter. Siya recently rejoined the Sharks in South Africa after a stint with French side Racing, but despite their split, Rachel remains the “rock” Siya has always called her.

Though the Kolisis' marriage may be over, their legacy as one of South Africa's most-loved couples will continue to inspire fans across the globe.

Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed "The Fridge" due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he's made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall's wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny and Shelley Wilkinson – £22m

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson’s net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby’s wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill and Alana Williams – £20m

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple’s net worth is reported to be around £20 million.

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