SCOTLAND rugby hero Stuart Hogg says he has spent time in a rehab centre as he admitted he had “made mistakes”.
In a lengthy and emotional post shared with his 180,000 Instagram followers, Hogg told how he felt “lost” and thanked supporters for helping him through the “darkest of times”.
He wrote: “It’s been tough.
“I was lost, needed help, direction, time away from the spotlight to be able to take a deep breath and think.
“I’ve been so concerned about what people thought of me, how I was coming across, the impact I would have on them and how I would survive the day. I lived every moment in my head and it wasn’t healthy.
“Spending time at a rehabilitation centre, allowed me to reset, learn about myself and talk about how I felt, without being judged.
“It’s not been easy but it was the right thing to do. Taking accountability was the first step in the right direction. I accept I have made mistakes and understand why I acted as I did.
“Personal, private issues being played out in the public eye and online abuse are things that have impacted me significantly. I’ve not been able to deal with it. Online abuse IS NOT OK.
“Having some time away has allowed me to see the world differently, be grateful for the things I have and most importantly, be excited about what is in front of me in the short, medium and long term.
“THANK YOU to everyone who has been in touch and offered support, friendship and love. You have helped me through the darkest of times and I will look forward to embracing what is next with you all.”
We told how Hogg split from his wife Gillian before going public with his new love, former jockey Leonna Mayor – days after his wife gave birth to their fourth child.
The timing stunned friends of the couple who said Gillian was devastated.
Hogg is one of Scotland’s most celebrated rugby stars having earned 100 caps and became the nation’s all-time leading try scorer.
He was given an MBE by the King in the New Year’s Honours list.
In February, Hogg was arrested at his estranged wife’s house hours after being pictured with celebs at the Calcutta Cup.
He was lifted over allegations he caused fear and alarm by acting in a threatening or abusive manner.
The rugby ace was nicked by cops at his former family home in Hawick, Roxburghshire.
