Stuart Hogg’s ‘secret girlfriend’ claims she had cries for help ‘dismissed’ after approaching Exeter Chiefs
STUART Hogg’s ex-lover claims her cries for help were dismissed after she approached Exeter Chiefs bosses at a “low point”.
The former Scotland captain, 32, was convicted on Monday after admitting a five-year campaign of domestic abuse against his wife Gillian.
The shamed fullback bombarded his estranged wife Gillian Hogg with hundreds of text messages and shouted and swore at her.
During his relationship with his wife, it is claimed he also sparked up another romance with Jilly O’Donnell, 47.
Jilly said she dated the Montpellier player for three years after he approached her on social media in 2020 during the Covid pandemic.
But she claims that Hogg also hounded her with hundreds of messages and phone calls over 17 months.
Jilly said she wrote to Exeter Chiefs bosses for help “at a low point” but claims she was dismissed, and that Hogg’s abuse “got even worse” following her plea.
He joined the Devon-based club from Glasgow Warriors in 2019.
Jilly told the Daily Record: “As Stuart was successful on the pitch, people were prepared to let slide what he did off the field.
“I reached out to the club’s managing director because I was at a low point and I needed help. I contacted Natasha Pavis because she is female, hoping she would see my point. I was hoping they would speak to him and help. Instead, they told me their players’ personal lives were none of their concern.”
In a response to Jilly via email, it is claimed Managing Director Pavis wrote: “Thank you for bringing your situation to my attention. It sounds like you have had a difficult time but I am afraid I am unable to get involved in any staff or players’ personal life. I do hope you get the help you need to recover from this experience.”
Jilly added: “They obviously spoke to him because I then got loads of calls and messages from him demanding an explanation.”
Exeter Chiefs was approached for comment.
Earlier this year, Hogg admitted he had spent time in a rehab centre as he admitted he had “made mistakes”.
Jilly told the Record her former partner’s drinking was “out of control” and he would “never accept the part” he played in his behaviour.
She claimed: “He messaged me once to say his marriage would definitely be over when he returned home drunk. When I found out his wife was pregnant, who he had told me he was separated from, he said ‘you know what I’m like when I’m drunk.’
“He blames anxiety, his mental health. I’d tell him it was caused by his drinking. He is always the victim. He is never at fault, he will never accept his part. He would behave badly, then come on blaming himself at first.
“He’d call or message saying ‘I’m a terrible person.’ I’d start by saying ‘yes you are’ then somehow, I’d end up apologising to him telling him he was a brilliant person. I’d end up reassuring him.”
On Monday, Hogg admitted a charge of acting in an abusive manner and bombarding estranged wife Gillian with hundreds of text messages.
He was due to stand trial but submitted a guilty plea on the first day of his trial, which was due to last three days, at Selkirk Sheriff Court.
He initially faced further charges, including two allegations of stalking, but his not guilty pleas to them were accepted by the prosecutor.
Fiscal Drew Long, told the court that Hogg’s behaviour became “worse” when he had been drinking.
He said: “Gillian Hogg became scared when Mr Hog got angry.
“He got worse when he was drinking and Gillian would wish it was morning so he had sobered up.
“When she was out with friends the accused would often message her to find out her movements.
“In August 2023 Mrs Hogg was dropping kids off and received messages from Mr Hogg questioning her movements. It became clear to her that her husband was using an app to track her.
“The following month she was out with friends and he called her and was shouting and swearing at her.
“He also sent her unpleasant messages which resulted in Mrs Hogg suffering a panic attack.
“Following this Gillian contacted a lawyer who wrote to Hogg but this resulted in him turning up at her home and shouting and swearing.
“The accused would also shout at Gillian for ‘not being fun’.”
The ex-Scotland captain is now facing calls for him to be stripped of his MBE.