We are losing a once in a generation talent

Blair leads the tributes to Hogg as star reveals he will quit after the World Cup

- STUART BATHGATE

STUART HOGG was last night hailed as a "once in a generation talent" by one of his predecessors as Scotland captain after announcing he will retire from rugby following this year's World Cup.

Mike Blair, now the Edinburgh coach, was playing for the national team when Hogg made his debut off the bench back in 2012. And he later played with the Hawick man at Glasgow before coaching him as an assistant with both the Warriors and Scotland.

Blair said: "I have seen the guy in every guise. He is a once in a generation talent.

"You could see in his first game for Scotland the confidence he had and the ability he had.

"He was really keen for Scotland to win and understood what it meant to the country and what it meant to his family.