"Garryowen, correct me if I'm wrong, is a high ball, isn't it?"
Stuart Hogg may wear the Garryowen jersey he was recently gifted in his next few training sessions as he works on fielding steepling up-and-unders.
After touring with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, the Scotland star finally had a couple of Test outings against the Springboks. Held back by Covid protocols during the tour, Hogg returned to force his way into the Test picture and he started the first two games against the South Africans.
Hogg joined Seán O'Brien, Adam Jones and Alex Goode on the latest House of Rugby Lions Series episode [LISTEN from 5:30 below], and provided a great insight into life on tour, close calls and ending the trip in high spirits [then falling asleep at the airport!]
As the tour wrapped up, Hogg found out early into the final week that he would not be involved in the Third Test against the Springboks.
Typical of how merciless the slagging can be in rugby, he was not given an easy time by his fellow teammates about shelling some high balls in that Second Test defeat. In the final days of the tour, as the 'bin-juice' squad members indulged in some local tipples, Hogg sported a jersey from Limerick club rugby side Garryowen.
Good friends with Conor Murray, a proud Garryowen man, Hogg did not have to look far to get his hands on that famous light blue jersey.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSb7rhZM8ZB/
During his appearance on House of Rugby, Hogg was asked by O'Brien if he had signed up to play All-Ireland League rugby.
"All the A.I.L clubs are praying that you actually haven't," remarked O'Brien.
"Garryowen, correct me if I'm wrong, is a high ball, isn't it? That's what they say.
"Well, I don't think I'll be playing for Garryowen, then. Not if they're hoisting it!"
Irish defences can rest easy for a while yet, Hogg won't be tearing it up from deep and targeting all those soft shoulders.
The Scotland star is heading back for another season with Exeter Chiefs but already relishing this November's visit of the South Africans for their end-of-season tour.
There is some unfinished business that he wants to have a big say in.
