FORMER Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg will face a domestic abuse trial next month.

The 32-year-old maintained his pleas of not guilty to three charges involving his wife at an intermediate trial hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Hogg was excused attendance for the hearing which confirmed the trial date for September 10.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said: “There have been quite intense discussions going on about this case just to make sure things go smoothly.

“There had been a problem with disclosure in this case but I am satisfied I have everything now and we can proceed to the trial date.”

The court heard the trial was likely to last “a least a day” and could go on to a second day.

Hogg is charged with stalking by engaging in a course of conduct which caused his estranged wife fear and alarm at properties in Glasgow and Hawick between January 2017 and March 2019.

It is alleged he shouted and swore at her and act in an aggressive manner, repeatedly accused her of infidelity, repeatedly tracked her movements, monitored her communication with others and repeatedly attempt to control family life.

The second charge under the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act alleges similar conduct between April 2019 and March 2024 at properties in Hawick and Devon.

It contains an additional allegation that he repeatedly sent her messages of an alarming and distressing nature whereby he made threats to harm himself.

A third charge against Hogg alleges that he had been released on an undertaking not to approach his wife in any way apart from arranging child contact but it is claimed that on March 30 this year at her home in Hawick he contacted her.

Hogg spent a night in the cells and appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court last month when he pleaded guilty to breaching a court order by repeatedly contacting his wife.

Sentence has been deferred on that offence until the outcome of the trial.

Hogg retired from rugby union prior to last year’s World Cup having amassed a century of senior caps and been involved in three British and Irish Lions tours.

He has since announced he is coming out of retirement but is currently injured. Hogg is due to play for French side Montpellier this season.